In case you missed it, actor Pedro Pascal recently used social media to speak out against author JK Rowling. He described her as a “vile bitch” following her criticisms of the government’s handling of a recent controversial Supreme Court decision in the UK. The decision, however, unambiguously interpreted “woman” and “sex” within the Equality Act to mean exclusively biological women and biological sex. This decision met with a firestorm of public outcry and protest leading to an intense national debate.
Rowling fanned the flames further by posting a picture of herself puffing on a cigar while relaxing on a fancy yacht. She shared the photo with the comment, “I love it when a plan comes together.” On the group “For Women Scotland”, she proudly posted on X, this group is unique in that they are actively lobbying on behalf of women. Yet her comments have been widely criticized, especially by LGBTQ+ advocates, most notably Pascal.
Pascal, a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, took to X to express his outrage over Rowling’s comments. He went on to explain just how much he hates what he sees as Rowling’s ongoing devaluation of the trans community.
“Awful disgusting SHIT is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behaviour.” – Pedro Pascal
The Marvel star has been a longtime activist for LGBTQ+ rights. He’s frequently spotted on the Oscars red carpet with his transgender sister, Lux, to drive home his purpose. In February, he shared an impactful quote on Instagram:
“A world without trans people has never existed and never will.” – Pedro Pascal
Pascal’s advocacy extends far past their social media presence. At the London premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts just a few months ago, he drew headlines for his shirt reading “Protect the Dolls,” a nod to his involvement in pro-trans initiatives.
Rowling’s photo has sparked a wave of reactionary fury that has been repeated by many right wing activists. Tariq Ra’ouf urged the public to cancel Rowling’s work. He proclaimed that it should be the artistic mission of all to ensure everything connected to Harry Potter flops, due to her actions. In an Instagram video, he announced that the American people are on a crusade. Their motivation? To make sure every single thing involving Harry Potter continues to bomb, all due to the influence of JK Rowling.
As this debate plays out, those of us in the entertainment industry, impacted communities, and other stakeholders are watching intently to see how these conversations progress. Importantly, key players in future adaptations of Rowling’s work come from varying backgrounds with a wealth of experience in gender identity and representation. Back in 1982, John Lithgow won wide praise for his role as a transgender woman in The World According to Garp. Years later, in 2011, Janet McTeer won an Oscar nomination for playing a trans man in Albert Nobbs. Additionally, Paapa Essiedu, who has taken on queer roles including a gay drag performer in Femme, is set to portray Professor Snape.
“It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the supreme court and, in winning, they’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.” – JK Rowling
As the debate continues, many in the entertainment industry are closely watching how these conversations unfold. Notably, actors involved in upcoming adaptations of Rowling’s work have diverse backgrounds and experiences with gender identity and representation. For instance, John Lithgow received acclaim for portraying a transgender woman in 1982’s The World According to Garp, while Janet McTeer played a trans man in 2011’s Albert Nobbs. Additionally, Paapa Essiedu, who has taken on queer roles including a gay drag performer in Femme, is set to portray Professor Snape.