Rupert Grint has become the latest member of the Harry Potter cast to show support for the transgender community following comments by JK Rowling.
The actor told The Timesthat he opposed recent comments made by author Rowling that had been branded “transphobic” online.
“I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers,” Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, wrote. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men.”
He continued: “We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
Almost a week after Rowling originally tweeted her criticism of an article using the trans-inclusive term “people with period”, a large number of the film adaptations’ stars have shown their support for the trans community and trans Harry Potter fans.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular wizard in the series, penned an essay for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention charity The Trevor Project on Monday (8 June), echoing Grint’s statement as he wrote: “Transgender women are women.
“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."
Emma Watson additionally encouraged her fans to donate to a trans-support charities, tweeting: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”
She continued: “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”
Other stars of the franchise to speak out include Evanna Lynch, Katie Leung and Bonnie Wright.
