J.K. Rowling Explains Why She – a Liberal – Is Opposed to Gender Ideology

Joanne (J.K.) Rowling is politically liberal, but she’s no fan of gender ideology – and she’s once again courageously speaking out against it.

The famed author penned the seven-volume Harry Potter series, which has sold over 600 million copies worldwide. The books have been made into an eight-part movie series grossing over $7.7 billion at the box office.

In a recent post on X, Rowling described herself as a “left-leaning liberal who’s fiercely anti-authoritarian.”

But as with many other liberals – Bill Mahar, Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Kara Dansky and others – who have seen the rise of gender ideology and the harm it has caused women, she’s had enough.

In her post, Rowling delivered a knockout blow to those on the Left who accept biological males invading women’s private spaces and sports.

My values haven’t changed; what’s changed is the political landscape. What was once my natural home (a pragmatic centre-left party focused on dealing with economic disparity, championing social liberalism and equal rights) is now dominated by an illiberal, identity-based strain of politics I consider elitist, harmful and out of touch with the day-to-day concerns of regular people, particularly women (and I’ve still lived more than half of my life as a non-wealthy woman, and some of that time was spent in poverty).

She continued,

The reality is that there’s currently an assault on women’s rights unparalleled in my lifetime. … If ever there was a time for women across the political spectrum to come together, it is now.

You can read her full post below:

Rowling’s courage on this issue is notable and worth praising. And she’s exactly right.

The Left claims to be the champion of “women’s rights” which nearly always translates to “abortion.” Then those same people favor permitting biological males to beat up (literally) young girls, invade their private spaces and steal their opportunities to compete and earn scholarships.

They also aren’t able to define what a woman is in the first place.

The Left can’t have its cake and eat it too.

Thankfully, the tide on gender ideology seems to be – slowly but surely – turning.

According to a 2023 Gallup poll, an increasing number of Americans (69%) believe that athletes should only be able to play on sports teams that match their sex.

Gender ideology became a hot button issue in the recent presidential election, with political campaigns spending nearly $123 million on TV ads focusing on “transgender” issues.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “half of American voters overall, and eight in 10 Trump voters, said support for transgender rights in government and society had gone ‘too far.’”

Rowling’s courage on this issue, along with other liberals, deserves praise and commendation.

Christians especially should lean into the issue of gender ideology. Opposing this evil ideology is not fun, but it is necessary, and it’s a fight we’re winning.

Christians – especially pastors, parents, educators, scientists, politicians and other in positions of influence – should continue to teach and speak truth in love.

Here are seven truths to keep in mind:

  1. A belief in male and female is not a “Christian” issue per se; it is an issue of basic biology and reality.
  2. Christians, however, should be the first people to speak truth about transgenderism, since we know the very Author of Truth – Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
  3. God created human beings either male or female. We are made in God’s very image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-28).
  4. Because of the Fall and our sinful human nature, human beings struggle with sin. Sin weakens our will, darkens our intellect and ultimately merits eternal damnation.
  5. Sexual sin – including homosexuality and transgenderism – is serious and harmful. However, other sins like pride, theft or murder are also serious and harmful.
  6. God is a good Father, and He loves every person deeply. He wants what is best for us.
  7. God offers grace, redemption and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ to all who seek Him, repent from sin, are baptized and live – however imperfectly – obeying Christ’s commands (Acts 2:38).

To speak with a family help specialist or request resources, please call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

If you or someone you know need help dealing with the transgender issue, check out Focus on the Family’s Transgender Resources page here.

Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department offers help from licensed or pastoral counselors. To request a conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time), or complete our Counseling Consultation Request Form. Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. The consultation is available at no cost to you due to generous donor support and will be with one of our licensed or pastoral counseling specialists.

Related articles and resources:

Transgender Resources

Counseling Consultation & Referrals

J.K. Rowling Calls Trans Procedures on Children ‘Worst Medical Scandal in a Century’

J.K. Rowling Speaks Out Against Transgenderism and Cancel Culture, ‘It’s Going to Have to Be Me, Isn’t It?’

Photo from Getty Images.

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