"Putting on Makeup Doesn't Change Biological Sex"... J.K. Rowling Sparks Fresh Debate

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has once again made it clear that "transgender women are not women."

By publicly reaffirming her stance emphasizing biological sex, she has ignited fierce controversy online once again.

Posting a lengthy statement on her X account on the 27th local time, Rowling stated that she still maintains the views she expressed in an essay on gender identity written six years ago.

In her 2020 essay, Rowling expressed empathy for the discrimination and violence faced by transgender people, while strongly criticizing the gender recognition bill then being promoted by the Scottish government.

She argued that allowing individuals to change their legal gender simply by identifying as women could threaten the safety of female-only spaces such as public restrooms and changing rooms.

In her latest post, however, she used even more direct language.

Rowling argued that womanhood is not something that can be put on and taken off like clothes, and that wearing makeup or a dress does not change one's biological sex.

She emphasized that while she respects the freedom of individuals to live as the gender of their choice and call themselves whatever they wish, no one has the right to demand that others change their language or thoughts to conform to those beliefs.

Rowling claimed that because of these remarks, she has received thousands of threats mentioning murder, sexual assault, and torture over the years, and argued that she must be guaranteed freedom of expression.

As soon as the post was made public, a heated debate erupted online.

Those supporting Rowling responded that biological sex and gender identity must be distinguished, and that personal beliefs should not be forced onto others.

Critics protested that Rowling's remarks could reinforce prejudice and discrimination against transgender people.

Counterarguments were also raised that the concept of "woman" encompasses social and cultural meanings, not just biological ones.

As Rowling, who has been at the center of the debate over gender identity and women's rights for the past several years, publicly reiterates her established stance, the controversy surrounding sexual minority rights is reignited.

(Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Kim Na-on | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.