Britain’s first transgender broadcaster, India Willoughby, filed a police report against J.K. Rowling for “misgendering.” Rowling declined to use Willoughby’s preferred pronouns and openly mocked the broadcaster on Twitter. The U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service labels hostility to transgenders a “hate crime,” but “misgendering” is not included. Rowling argued that Willoughby’s actions constitute harassment.
Key Points
India Willoughby filed a police report against J.K. Rowling for misgendering
Rowling declined to use Willoughby’s preferred pronouns and mocked the broadcaster on Twitter
The U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service considers hostility to transgenders a hate crime, but not misgendering
Rowling argued that Willoughby’s actions constitute harassment
Pros
Highlighting the importance of respecting preferred pronouns and identities
Bringing attention to the challenges faced by transgender individuals in society
Cons
Controversy surrounding freedom of expression and the right to express gender-critical views
Potential legal implications of misgendering in the context of hate crimes and harassment