Judy Blume says her quote about being ‘behind’ J.K. Rowling was ‘taken out of context’ as she clarifies support for the trans community


Judy Blume, at the April 15 premiere of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,. is setting the record straight after discussing J.K. Rowling in a recent article. (Photo: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Judy Blume is clarifying her support for the transgender community after sharing in a new interview with the Sunday Times that she is “behind” fellow author J.K. Rowling “100%,” which some took as an expression of support for the Harry Potter author’s controversial views on sex and gender.

“I love her,” Blume, whose 1970 book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. has been adapted into a film being released on April 28, told Sunday Times writer Hadley Freeman of Rowling. “I am behind her 100% as I watch from afar.” Freeman, who has frequently covered gender-critical feminism, wrote that Blume’s quotes was “referring to the abuse Rowling has received for speaking up in defense of women’s sex-based rights.” But in a new statement, Blume says otherwise.

Taking to social media on Sunday after her quote from the paywalled article went viral, Blume, 85, claimed that her quote about Rowling had been “taken out of context.” According to Blume, she was referring to the vitriol and threats Rowling says she has dealt with as a result of sharing her views, which many have called transphobic. The Blubber author stressed her own support for the trans community.

“I wholly support the trans community,” Blume shared. “My point, which was taken out of context, is that I can empathize with a writer — or person — who has been harassed online. I stand with the trans community and vehemently disagree with anyone who does not fully support equality and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people. Anything to the contrary is total bulls**t.”

Blume went on to direct her fans to a recent interview she gave to Variety, in which she spoke out against book bans, many of which center on LGBTQ content.

“What are you protecting your children from?” she told the outlet. “Protecting your children means educating them and arming them with knowledge, and reading and supporting what they want to read. No child is going to become transgender or gay or lesbian because they read a book. It’s not going to happen. They may say, ‘Oh, this is just like me. This is what I’m feeling and thinking about.’ Or, ‘I’m interested in this because I have friends who may be gay, bi, lesbian.’ They want to know!”

Story continues

In a speech earlier this month, Blume also drew parallels to the censorship attempts she herself encountered as a writer who introduced young readers to topics like puberty and sexuality

“With me it was sexuality, and specifically puberty — which to some people was a very dirty word. It wasn’t something the censors wanted to talk about with their kids,” she said during Variety’s Power of Women luncheon in early April. “You know — if they don’t read about it, they won’t know about it, and if they don’t know about it, it will never happen to them … guess what.”

You can view the original article HERE.

Marvel’s Blade Delayed Amid Writers Strike
Diddy Seen Talking with Federal Agents at Airport as Associate is Arrested
Alex Ferreira Talks Fatherhood and New Music
Will Smith Slapped With Ticket for Speeding on PCH in Malibu
Femme Review | An Edge-of-Your-Seat Queering of the Neo-Noir Crime Thriller
Gillian Anderson Reveals Why She Almost Gave Up Acting 24 Years Ago
Titus: The Masterpiece that the Cinematic Greatness of 1999 Obscured | MZS
Caleb Landry Jones Shines in Offbeat Thriller
Lzzy Hale to front Skid Row for upcoming tour
Cillian Murphy reveals he’s gone vegan
‘The Bear’ star is favourite to play Bruce Springsteen in new movie
Bruce Springsteen to become a Fellow of The Ivors Academy
Report: Cowboys haven’t made Dak extension offers
The Money Game: How Much Can College Athletes Earn with NIL
Understanding the NIL Process: A Comprehensive Guide from Industry-Leading Lawyers
How Online Gaming Platforms Ensure Your Safety
Malcolm in the Middle Revival Now the ‘Closest It’s Ever Been,’ Frankie Muniz Reveals
The Good Doctor Season 7 Episode 4 Review: Date Night
Neil Patrick Harris’ Uncoupled Series Axed by Showtime Before Season 2
Shogun Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Ladies of the Willow World
Cher’s Closet From Clueless Is Becoming A Reality, Thanks To Vêtir
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson Welcome Their First Baby!
Best JW Pei Bags on Amazon
Kaia Gerber ‘Hearts’ New York City for DKNY’s Newest Line