JK Rowling Asked Herself Whether She Could’ve Been Gay as a Teen

Harry Potter author JK Rowling said she questioned her sexuality when she was 14 years old. The author shared her thoughts during her podcast.

She said, “Well, I can tell my friends are pretty. Does that mean I’m gay?” Rowling added, “I grew up to be a straight woman, but I’ve never forgotten that feeling of anxiety around my body.”

Her statements follow her reaction to an op-ed, which women as “people who menstruate.” As a result, she has become a controversial figure ever since.

What JK Rowling said about sexuality in her podcast?

JK Rowling argues 14 is too young for gender change choice after questioning her sexuality#JKRowling #Rowling https://t.co/i48vxzVRtW

— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) March 9, 2023

She continued the statements above by saying, “I didn’t feel like I fitted in. Aged 11 or 12, I looked very androgynous with short hair.…”

“…and became aware it was attracting attention that I didn’t welcome, particularly from boys at school,” Rowling added.

Then, she explained why young teens were emotionally equipped to change their gender. “I don’t believe that even a 14-year-old can truly understand what the loss of their fertility is.”

“At 14, I would have said that I didn’t want children, but [motherhood] has been the most joyful, wonderful thing in my life.”

“I couldn’t have comprehended that and would have had no idea about what I was giving up… There will be a minority of people for whom this will be a solution.”

“But in the numbers, particularly of young people that we are currently seeing coming forward, I find cause for doubt and concern.”

How did JK Rowling become a controversial figure?

‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?

Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate https://t.co/cVpZxG7gaA

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020

JK Rowling is the writer of the beloved Harry Potter books and film franchise. Their success earned her an estimated £850 million, more importantly, the hearts and minds of millions.

Nowadays, the 57-year-old author receives numerous hate messages and death threats after delving into the transgender rights debate in 2020.

The negative backlash started when criticized an op-ed that described women as “people who menstruate” on Twitter.

In response, many people flooded the British writer with negative comments. Yet, the Harry Potter author doubled down on her stance via tweet:

“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.”

“I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans.”

“At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.”

Unfortunately, many people did not accept her detailed explanation and spewed more hatred for the author. 

Worse, they started attacking other pieces of media related to JK Rowling’s work, such as the Hogwarts Legacy video game. 

Her haters petitioned others to boycott the game, but it still became a massive success earning over $850 million.