Welcome to Pride in America Month. Every day in the month of June and through Independence Day, we will highlight a figure who has demonstrated and defended American values. Consider it a healthy alternative to the Left's June celebration that has taken over the media and corporate America.
While J.K. Rowling is not an American, no one can doubt her impact on pop culture in the U.S. Many American kids over the last couple decades grew up reading the Harry Potter fantasy series, which has become one of the best-selling book series in history. The British author’s books have also been adapted into a successful film franchise.
The Harry Potter books have been translated into 80 languages, with over 500 million copies sold worldwide. The films based on the series have grossed over $7.7 billion at the box office, making them the third-highest-grossing film series of all time.
But in recent years, leftists have tried to cancel Rowling because she has been a vocal critic of transgenderism, and the Left just can’t stand people having views differing from its own. In an essay, Rowling argued that sex is a biological reality and that transgender women cannot change their sex. She also expressed her concern about the safety of women and girls in single-sex spaces.
Her essay on the topic is worth reading. We might disagree with some of what she said. Here’s a sample:
But endlessly unpleasant as its constant targeting of me has been, I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode “woman” as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it. I stand alongside the brave women and men, gay, straight and trans, who’re standing up for freedom of speech and thought, and for the rights and safety of some of the most vulnerable in our society: young gay kids, fragile teenagers, and women who’re reliant on and wish to retain their single sex spaces. Polls show those women are in the vast majority, and exclude only those privileged or lucky enough never to have come up against male violence or sexual assault, and who’ve never troubled to educate themselves on how prevalent it is.
In 2020, reporter Matilda Butterfield was assigned to write a piece about Rowling's views on transgender people. Butterfield said that she initially planned to write a critical piece about Rowling. She came to believe, however, that Rowling was not transphobic, but simply expressing her concerns about the safety of women and girls in spaces intended for females.
Truly, J.K. Rowling has had and is having an impact in America. She had a lot to lose in saying what she did. If only more Americans had the courage she has demonstrated, especially this month.
Do you have a great American who deserves to be celebrated this month? Let us know!
