JK Rowling misgenders trans activist and accuses her of “cosplaying” as a woman

Harry Potter author JK Rowling appears to be doubling down on her previous criticisms of trans people and trans rights. Although claiming to respect trans people in the past, she’s posted several tweets in the last few days blasting trans people accessing single-sex spaces that match their gender identity.

This is nothing new for Rowling. However, she took aim at a particular trans activist in the UK, India Willoughby.

Willoughby was Britain’s first trans newsreader. She has often appeared on TV shows to talk about her experiences as a trans woman.

On Sunday, Rowling again reiterated her opposition to trans women in women-only spaces. On X, she said, “When men – all men, however they identify – are banned from women’s spaces, those who disregard the ban can be challenged, inside the space and out.”

Entertainment with an edge

Whether you’re into indie comics, groundbreaking music, or queer cinema, we’re here to keep you in the loop twice a week.

One respondent posted a video clip of India Willoughby and asked if Rowling seriously believed the journalist belonged in a men-only space.

Rowling responded, “You’ve sent me the wrong video. There isn’t a lady in this one, just a man revelling in his misogynistic performance of what he thinks ‘woman’ means: narcissistic, shallow and exhibitionist.”

You've sent me the wrong video. There isn't a lady in this one, just a man revelling in his misogynistic performance of what he thinks 'woman' means: narcissistic, shallow and exhibitionist.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2024

“A misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is”

Another user challenged Rowling’s assertion that Willoughby is misogynistic.

“If India Willoughby is a ‘misogynist’ why did she become a woman? Think!” they said.

Rowling fired back, “India didn’t become a woman. India is cosplaying a misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is.”

India didn't become a woman. India is cosplaying a misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2024

In a further post yesterday, Rowling again criticized Willoughby. She posted a screenshot of a tweet in which Willoughby had joked about kidnapping several high-profile opponents of trans rights and gender self-ID.

“For reference, this is the individual whose precious feelings are more important than truth, according to some of his fellow men,” said Rowling. “If you think women calling this person a man is more offensive than him publicly fantasising about kidnapping women, I can’t help you.”

For reference, this is the individual whose precious feelings are more important than truth, according to some of his fellow men. If you think women calling this person a man is more offensive than him publicly fantasising about kidnapping women, I can't help you. pic.twitter.com/mrqIC8jbtL

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2024

Rowling has millions of followers online. Many agree with her opposition to trans rights and applauded her comments about Willoughby. However, others were aghast. Some were quick to point out that, whatever Rowling may believe, Willoughby is legally a woman under UK law.

Misgendering @IndiaWilloughby is one the most disgusting and disturbing comments by JK .

She is women under the U.K. law, if you don’t respect her, you must respect the law at the very least . Solidarity here https://t.co/4RLpTScTTI

— Savan Qadir (@savanQadir) March 5, 2024

The mask has well & truly slipped.

JK Rowling has fallen from someone who people loved and 6 years ago had what she called a ‘middle aged moment’ when she liked a transphobic tweet, to someone who is now outright transphobic.

She’s a symbol of the brainwashing of the far right pic.twitter.com/Nt1jlJSgbG

— Ian Timbrell (@ITimbrell) March 5, 2024

When JK Rowling’s Terf mates come out with their inevitable “show me one thing she’s said that’s transphobic” schtick, here is Exhibit A. (Except they will just claim it isn’t so there’s no point). pic.twitter.com/urvk9ioO4j

— Marc "December" Burrows (@20thcenturymarc) March 4, 2024

So that was a lie https://t.co/RQxrD1K5Bc pic.twitter.com/pJpZ8W8s5L

— Aria the Ninth 🏳️‍🌈 (@An_Aria_Blooms) March 4, 2024

“Disgusted”

Willoughby posted a tweet expressing disgust at Rowling’s comments.

“Genuinely disgusted by this. Grotesque transphobia, which is upsetting. I am every bit as much a woman as JK Rowling. Recognised in law, and by everyone I interact with every day. The debate about whether JK Rowling is a transphobe is over.”

Genuinely disgusted by this. Grotesque transphobia, which is upsetting. I am every bit as much a woman as JK Rowling. Recognised in law, and by everyone I interact with every day. The debate about whether JK Rowling is a transphobe is over. https://t.co/PB0cyHYZZL

— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) March 4, 2024

This morning, Willoughby posted a further tweet saying she’d been flooded with hateful messages following Rowling’s tweets.

“The virtual UK news blackout on Saint JK Rowling’s indisputable transphobic bullying of me yesterday – resulting in some of the most vicious and vile messages I’ve ever received (trending on Twitter) – is nothing short of breathtaking,” said Willoughby.

This is not the first time Rowling and Willoughby have clashed online. Last year, Willoughby posted, “I’m more of a woman than JK Rowling will ever be.” Rowling posted a screenshot of the tweet and added her own caption, saying “Citation needed.”

Related:

JK Rowling’s Chickens Have Just Come Home to Roost in a Big Way

Could JK Rowling’s Wonderful World of Bankruptcy be next?