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Four Authors At JK Rowling's Writing Agency Resign After Her Anti-Transgender Comments

Four Authors At JK Rowling's Writing Agency Resign After Her Anti-Transgender Comments

A handful of authors at the Blair Partnership have resigned in response to JK Rowling‘s anti-transgender comments.

Four writers, who worked beside Jo at the agency, stepped away from the company after the “Harry Potter” author’s comments were made, and was in response to the company’s lack of response to them.

Drew Davies, Ugla Stefanía Kristjonudottir Jonsdottir, Fox Fisher, and a fourth who preferred to stay anonymous issued their own statement after their resignations, Variety reports.

“This decision is not made lightly, and we are saddened and disappointed it has come to this,” the statement says. “After J. K. Rowling’s — who is also signed to the agency — public comments on transgender issues, we reached out to the agency with an invitation to reaffirm their stance to transgender rights and equality. After our talks with them, we felt that they were unable to commit to any action that we thought was appropriate and meaningful. Freedom of speech can only be upheld if the structural inequalities that hinder equal opportunities for underrepresented groups are challenged and changed.”

It continued, “We stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA — and allied — staff in all areas of publishing who are working incredibly hard to champion diverse voices and experiences to challenge the homogeneity of the industry.”

“But the issues of inequality and oppression are far reaching, from racism to ableism and sexism. Agencies and publishers need to create platforms for underrepresented groups from the ground up and make meaningful change within their culture. Representation must extend into real and authentic representation of diverse voices.”

The four authors have also decided to make a donation to Shakti Women’s Aid, a charity that supports BAME women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse.

Earlier this month, Jo sparked a lot of outrage with her comments, which issued many stars of the Harry Potter franchise to speak out on them.

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Posted to: JK Rowling