Daniel Radcliffe Explains Why He Spoke Out After Tweets From "Harry Potter" Author J.K. Rowling

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Why Daniel Spoke Out After J.K. Rowling TweetsSlaven Vlasic - Getty Images
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In June 2020, Daniel Radcliffe penned an open letter after Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling tweeted highly-criticized comments about gender identity. Nearly two years later, the actor explained what inspired him to speak out in support of the LGBTQ+ community.



During a recent interview with IndieWire, Daniel said, "The reason I was felt very, very much as though I needed to say something when I did was because, particularly since finishing 'Potter,' I've met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with Potter on that." The Harry Potter star continued, "And so seeing them hurt on that day, I was like, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way. And that was really important."

Advocating and extending support to the LGBTQ+ community is essential for the renowned actor. "It's clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm," he said.

Daniel's advocacy and support of the LGBTQ+ community go beyond writing letters. He's worked closely with the Trevor Project and considers himself an ally. "It was really important as I've worked with the Trevor Project for more than ten years, and so I don't think I would've been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything," he added. "But it's not mine to guess what's going on in someone else's head."

In June 2020, the author came under fire for sending out what many people perceived to be transphobic tweets in response to an op-ed post titled Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.

Daniel responded to the backlash in response to Rowling's comment in an open letter via The Trevor Project. He addressed the author's comments and clarified his stance on LGBTQ+ rights. "Transgender women are women," he wrote. "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."

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