#469: Why J.K. Rowling Is Wrong About Trans People

06/15/20 • 107 min

1 Listener

MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

On this special edition of MuggleCast, the hosts are joined by Dr. Sarah Steelman (Marriage & Family Therapist, Ph.D., LMFT) to discuss J.K. Rowling's recent tweets and open letter regarding trans people. We review her statements and why so many of them are wrong, share responses from around the Harry Potter community, and analyze our own feelings. Given the sensitive nature of this conversation, please be aware that this episode carries a trigger warning. Below is a list of resources referenced in our show, for both those individuals looking to better educate themselves as allies and for those who are personally affected by recent events.
If you're a LGBTQ person who needs to speak to someone:

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Other resources:

Follow Dr. Sarah Steelman on Twitter, and read her Medium blog post
Andrew James Carter's point-by-point breakdown of the various issues with J.K. Rowling's blog post.
For Scottish listeners who want to support the Gender Recognition Act, you can head to lgbtyouth.org.uk to find an email template and a list of your Members of Scottish Parliament to contact in support of the Act.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Other resources:

Follow Dr. Sarah Steelman on Twitter, and read her Medium blog post
Andrew James Carter's point-by-point breakdown of the various issues with J.K. Rowling's blog post.
For Scottish listeners who want to support the Gender Recognition Act, you can head to lgbtyouth.org.uk to find an email template and a list of your Members of Scottish Parliament to contact in support of the Act.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

#468: Rubeus Hagrid’s Punch Out! (OOTP 31, O.W.L.S.)

MuggleCast opens with a listener email addressing current events in America. Also, please note we recorded this episode before JKR's latest hurtful tweets.
Some suggested recommendations and resources that can help us all learn:
- Understand racism doesn't "go away" - it mutates. Learn from organizations like The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The Vera Institute of Justice, The National Civil Rights Museum, The Innocence Project, and The MBK Alliance.
- Everyone has biases , many of them unconscious - find ways to confront your implicit biases
- Amplify the voices of people of color, but recognize when to be quiet and listen
- VOTE for candidates and legislation that will hold authorities accountable
- Visit Ethel's Club, which provides free grieving and healing sessions to African Americans around the world, led by licensed black therapists.
- Support black businesses in your area: Official Black Wall Street, EatOkra (iOS and Android).
Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler and Whoopi Goldberg read the latest chapters from Sorcerer's Stone!
Harry Potter face coverings are now available from WizardingWorld.com
MuggleMail covers yet another definition of the word punting!
Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 31: O.W.L.S
7-Word Summary: Exams can cause severe headaches and visions
Ron has a little bit of James in him!
Malfoy Career Advice: "It's not what you know, it's who you know."
Comparing the O.W.L.S to standardized testing here in the United States
Anxiety, all-nighters, drugs, cheating and more!
Griselda Marchbanks: Dumbledore can "do things with a wand she's never seen before!" Oh, reallllly?
Patronus Extra Credit
The Removal of Rubeus Hagrid
Why does Umbridge choose to sack Hagrid in this manner? Is this even about his job? We discuss the connection to current events.
A History of Magic exam gone Siriusly bad!
Why wasn't Harry provided more information about what Voldemort was after?
The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 94!
Quizzitch: Who is the head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority?
Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast!
This week's episode is sponsored by BeachBody On Demand: Work out from the comfort of home and still get super effective workouts, making you feel better! Text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 to get a free trial.

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Next Episode

#470: Silky Smooth Snape (OOTP 32, Out of the Fire)

International football star David Beckham joins actor David Tennant to read the Quidditch chapter of Book One. And now viewing this requires a login?
The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Just one week left to become a Patron at the Dumbledore’s Army level or higher to get yours!
MuggleMail topics include exams in other countries, the secrecy surrounding the prophecy, and whether Hagrid had a battle assist from Dumbledore (sorry McGonagall!)
Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 32: Out of the Fire
7-Word Summary: Umbridge catches heroes using losers for hire
Hermione's point about Sirius and Voldemort is a good one - why doesn't Harry listen?
Why doesn't the trio think of Snape before they're caught?
The pitfall of Hermione bringing up Harry's "Saving People Thing"
Here *lies* Kreacher, Mwahahahahaha
Harry speaks in code as a last resort. Does Snape understand?
DEBATE: as Umbridge prepares use an Unforgivable on Harry, the hosts ask. Who is a worse villain? Voldemort or Umbridge?
How realistic is Hermione's plan? What makes Umbridge buy it? And why does she decide to go alone?
(Spoilers!) Our Umbridge Suck Count passes 100! (Were you really surprised?)
Quizzitch: What spell does Neville use to escape his captors?
This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies (Underwear that's so good, Dobby would never take it off his head! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), Truth Vs Hollywood podcast, and Quip dental care (Visit GetQuip.com/muggle to get your first refill free!)
Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast!