Eddie Izzard defends JK Rowling and insists 'she isn't transphobic'
Gender-fluid comic Eddie Izzard has defended JK Rowling’s stance on trans issues.
Harry Potter author Rowling, 55, has attracted criticism for comments on gender identity but vehemently denies she is transphobic.
Izzard, 58, recently sparked headlines when referred to as “she/her” while appearing on a TV show.
The star told the Daily Telegraph: “I don’t think JK Rowling is transphobic. I think we need to look at the things she has written about in her blog.
“Women have been through such hell over history. Trans people have been invisible, too.
“I hate the idea we are fighting between ourselves, but it’s not going to be sorted with the wave of a wand.
“I don’t have all the answers. If people disagree with me, fine – but why are we going through hell on this?”
Izzard was referred to as “she/her” on Sky Arts series Portrait Artist Of The Year.
(Image: Sky Arts)
“I didn’t push for it [Eddie said of the programme’s use of pronouns]. This isn’t the big thing. I’ve been out for 35 years.
“When I was called ‘she’ on getting my honorary degree at Swansea [in 2019], no-one gave a monkey’s….
“If they call me ‘she’ and ‘her,’ that’s great – or ‘he’ and ‘him,’ I don’t mind. I prefer to be called Eddie, that covers everything. I’m gender fluid.”
(Image: Zuma Press/PA Images)
JK Rowling sparked controversy when she objected to the term “people who menstruate?” in June.
JK tweeted in response: “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
She continued: “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased.
“I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”