More than 200 writers, publishers and journalists have signed a letter to express their support for transgender and non-binary people.
According to The Guardian, the message, which was published on Wednesday on TheSecondShelf.com, comes days after a separate group of writers signed a letter defending "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, who has been under fire since publishing her latest book, which centers on a male killer who dresses as a woman.
The letter, which didn't mention Rowling by name, features several Black members of the United Kingdom and Irish publishing community. Malorie Blackman, Irenosen Okojie, Clara Amfo and Faridah Àbíké-íyímídé are among those who have signed the letter.
"This is a message of love and solidarity for the trans and non-binary community," the advocates for trans rights wrote. "Culture is, and should always be, at the forefront of societal change, and as writers, editors, agents, journalists, and publishing professionals, we recognize the vital role our industry has in advancing and supporting the wellbeing and rights of trans and non-binary people."
In June, Rowling continued to dig herself into a deeper hole in June when she went to Twitter and commented on an opinion piece titled, "Creating a more equal post-Covid-19 world for people who menstruate."
"'People who menstruate.' I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?" Rowling tweeted in response to the article.
‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?
Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate https://t.co/cVpZxG7gaA
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020
The writer then defended her statement.
"I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them," the 55-year-old wrote. "I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so."
I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020
That same month, The Weald School in England scrapped its plans to honor Rowling after hearing about the controversy in June and chose to recognize Malorie Blackman instead, Metro reported.
"In recent days it has come to light that one of our new names may in fact no longer be an appropriate role model for our community," deputy headteacher Sarah Edwards stated. "JK Rowling has tweeted some messages which are considered to be offensive to the LGBT+ community (specifically, trans-phobic) and we feel that we do not wish to be associated with these views."
The school described Blackmon as a prolific author of children’s and young adult literature and writer of television and radio dramas.
"We feel that she fits the bill as an excellent replacement for a modern-day female author, so that we retain our aim of having a combination of historical and modern significant figures," the administration stated.
As Blavity previously reported, at least 29 trans and gender nonconforming people in the U.S. have been killed in 2020.
"We stand with you, we hear you, we see you, we accept you, we love you. The world is better for having you in it," the creative community stated in its letter. "Non-binary lives are valid, trans women are women, trans men are men, trans rights are human rights."
Read full letter here.
