J.K. Rowling has been receiving backlash from the online community in the past week. This is due to her response to the title of an article for Devex, i.e. "Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate". The Harry Potter author tweeted: “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” This seemingly simple line from the world-famous writer sparked a controversy overnight, accusing her of transphobia and being a "terf."

So why are people furious? Woman in the strictest sense of the word means an adult that belongs to the female sex. But, since language is fluid and changes continuously, "woman" doesn't only bear this one meaning. Especially now in the woke era, a woman could be anyone who wants to be identified as such. One group that Rowling angered is the trans community who, despite not capable of menstruating, identify themselves as female or woman. Also, transgender men menstruate but don't want to be labeled as women at all. It gets complicated when someone pointed out that women who are menopausal are still women. Some representatives of these groups, and many others, accused the famous author of being a terf.

TERF is an acronym that stands for trans exclusionary radical feminist. A terf is a feminist whose beliefs don't qualify transsexuals as female.

Do you think J.K. Rowling is in the wrong? Or do you think that the LGBTQ+ has overreacted?

My opinion:

To be honest, the title of the article is poorly worded and unnecessarily painted J.K. Rowling to bad light. From the point of view of a writer, I think simply saying "woman" is sufficient, clear, and neutral. Also, I think that verbally abusing and threatening the author defeats the purpose of the advocacy of gender equality and feminism. I am one of the people who believe that the road to equality is through kind words, compassion, and intelligent discussions.