You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Skip to main
Talent

Daniel Radcliffe Responds to J.K. Rowling’s Tweets on Gender Identity

BY: Trevor News
Image of The Trevor Project's logo
Donate

By Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe

I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now. While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.

Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. According to The Trevor Project, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.

I am still learning how to be a better ally, so if you want to join me in learning more about transgender and nonbinary identities check out The Trevor Project’s Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth. It’s an introductory educational resource that covers a wide range of topics, including the differences between sex and gender, and shares best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary people.

To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you. If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, nonbinary, or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. And in my opinion nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much.

Love always,
Dan

Read more from
Talent

Gigi Gorgeous wearing a sequined blue top.
Talent

Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth from Gigi Gorgeous, Kalen Allen, Theo Germaine, and More

The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for many LGBTQ youth, including those who do not have supportive families or access to affirming spaces. Now with COVID-19, physical distancing policies implemented to minimize the health risks of the pandemic have further disrupted LGBTQ youth’s access to spaces that they rely on for affirmation, such as school and the homes of friends, romantic partners, and chosen family.

Looking for another kind of support?

Explore answers and information across a variety of topics, or connect to one of our trained counselors to receive immediate support.

Your donation will save lives.

Every day, LGBTQ+ young people reach out for mental health support. When you donate to Trevor, you ensure our volunteers can continue to be there for them.

Donate Now

Train to be a counselor

One volunteer can help ensure LGBTQ+ young people have someone to turn to 24/7.

Volunteer Now