Actors who have starred in JK Rowling adaptations have signed an open letter standing “in solidarity” with members of the LGBT+ community “impacted” by the recent Supreme Court ruling on gender.
The Harry Potter author, 59, who has been outspoken on gender issues, supported the ruling, which said that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.
Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, who led the Fantastic Beasts films, and Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, are among the stars who have signed the open letter addressed to film and TV industry bodies, encouraging them to support the trans community.
Ghosts actress Charlotte Ritchie, who appeared as a student in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, and Breeders star Daisy Haggard, who voiced the Ministry Of Magic lift in the Harry Potter films, also signed the letter.
Another signatory was Bridgerton actress Bessie Carter, the daughter of Dame Imelda Staunton, who played Dolores Umbridge in the popular films about witchcraft and wizardry.
The letter said that the signatories wish to “add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week”, which was signed by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Chewing Gum’s Michaela Coel.
The letter said: “We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary, and intersex people living in the UK.”
The letter called on organisations including Bafta and the BBC to join them in “condemning” the Supreme Court ruling by “using their public platforms to make meaningful commitments to protecting trans, non-binary, and intersex members, talent and staff from discrimination within their respective organisations.”
It said: “Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.”
Rowling appeared to celebrate the April 16 ruling by posting a photo of her smoking a cigar on social media, with the caption “I love it when a plan comes together”, with the hashtags Supreme Court and Women’s Rights.
The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by women’s rights campaigners, but LGBT+ charity Stonewall described it as “incredibly worrying for the trans community”.
The judges said trans people are still protected from discrimination under equalities legislation, and that this interpretation of the law does not cause disadvantage to the “potentially vulnerable group”.
Bafta and the BBC have been approached for comment.
Harry Potter Actors Stand in Solidarity with LGBT+ Community: A Deep Dive with Legal Expert
Time.news recently reported on an open letter signed by actors from the Harry Potter franchise, including Eddie Redmayne and Katie Leung, expressing solidarity with the LGBT+ community following a recent UK supreme Court ruling on gender. The ruling, supported by JK Rowling, has sparked considerable debate. To unpack the complexities of this situation, we spoke with Dr. eleanor Vance, a leading expert in equality law and media depiction, to get her insights.
Time.news: dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. Could you briefly explain the context of this open letter and the Supreme Court ruling that prompted it?
Dr.Vance: Certainly. The open letter, signed by actors from the Harry Potter and fantastic Beasts films, is a direct response to a recent UK Supreme Court ruling regarding the definition of “woman” and “sex” within the Equality Act. the ruling persistent that these terms refer to biological sex, which JK Rowling publicly supported. The actors who signed the letter believe this ruling undermines the lived reality and endangers the safety of trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals. They perceive this as a setback for LGBT+ rights and are urging media organizations, like Bafta and the BBC, to actively support the trans community and combat discrimination.
Time.news: The article mentions that actors like Eddie Redmayne and Katie Leung, associated with the Harry Potter universe, signed the letter. What’s the significance of these figures taking a stand?
dr. Vance: The involvement of actors closely associated with the Harry Potter franchise is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it leverages their considerable public platforms to raise awareness about transgender rights and related issues. These actors have a global fanbase,and their stance can influence public opinion and encourage dialog. Secondly, it highlights a division within the Harry Potter community itself, given JK Rowling’s well-known views. This adds another layer of complexity to the discussion and demonstrates the evolving perspectives on gender identity within the entertainment industry.
Time.news: The letter calls on organizations like Bafta and the BBC to take specific actions. What kind of “meaningful commitments” might these organizations make?
Dr. Vance: The letter advocates for organizations to use their public platforms to actively combat discrimination against trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals. This could involve implementing more inclusive hiring practices, ensuring fair representation of LGBT+ individuals on screen and behind the scenes, and developing comprehensive anti-discrimination policies. Specifically, for Bafta, it might mean actively promoting trans and non-binary stories and talent during award ceremonies and initiatives. For the BBC, it could include producing programming that accurately and respectfully reflects the experiences of trans individuals, and ensuring internal staff training on transgender issues.
Time.news: The article notes that JK Rowling appeared to celebrate the Supreme court ruling. How does this contrast with the message of the open letter signed by the actors?
Dr. Vance: JK Rowling’s public support for the ruling underscores a basic difference in perspectives.Her stance is frequently enough rooted in concerns about women’s rights and the perceived impact on single-sex spaces.Conversely, the actors who signed the letter prioritize the rights and safety of trans individuals, viewing the ruling as detrimental to their well-being and equality.This divide exemplifies the ongoing tension between different perspectives within the broader discussion of gender identity.
Time.news: The judiciary maintained that trans people are still protected from discrimination. How do you navigate reconciling this assurance with the signatories’ concerns about safety and lived reality?
Dr. Vance: It’s a matter of perception versus concrete experience.Although legally, members of the transgender community have legislative protections, those who signed the letter believe this ruling impacts how those laws play out in reality; that even if discrimination is illegal, the ruling may make it more tough for members of the community to feel represented and live without experiencing any kind of prejudice. Thus, the signatories are advocating for organizations to create internal frameworks for creating inclusive spaces and platforms in order to ensure members of the LGBT+ community are not only protected by law, but also supported by social policy.
Time.news: For readers who want to learn more about transgender rights and become better allies, what resources would you recommend?
Dr. Vance: I would recommend starting with reputable organizations like Stonewall, Gendered Intelligence, and Mermaids. These groups provide extensive data, resources, and training programs on transgender issues. Also, seeking out and amplifying the voices of transgender individuals themselves is crucial. Reading personal narratives, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts created by and featuring trans people can offer invaluable insights and promote empathy and understanding. It’s also vital to stay informed about relevant legislation and policy changes in your region.
Time.news: Dr. Vance,thank you for shedding light on this complex and importent issue. Your insights are greatly appreciated.
Dr. Vance: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.