The MCM London Comic-Con recently found itself at the center of a controversy surrounding a planned Harry Potter-themed panel for its October event. Here’s what happened.
The Threat
The event organizers decided to cancel the panel after facing pressure from the LGBTQ group Switchboard, who threatened to withdraw from hosting the first pride lounge if the panel was allowed to proceed.
The Controversy
The reason behind the controversy stems from author JK Rowling’s historical comments, which many have deemed as ‘transphobic.’
Rowling Has Faced Significant Backlash
JK Rowling, celebrated for creating the beloved Harry Potter series, has faced significant backlash for her stance on women’s rights and gender.
Her View
She had said that women and girls should have the right to single-sex spaces, which led to accusations of transphobia and ignited contentious debates over the past few years.
People Who Menstruate
One specific incident in June 2020 garnered widespread attention when Rowling ridiculed an online article that used the phrase ‘people who menstruate’ instead of ‘women.’
The Defense
In response to the controversy, Rowling wrote an essay defending her views.
However, her comments have continued to be a source of contention.
The Panel
Against this backdrop, the Harry Potter panel at MCM London Comic-Con became a focal point of controversy.
Safe and Inclusive Environment
The LGBTQ group Switchboard expressed concerns about the potential impact of the panel on the trans community, saying that it would not create a ‘safe and inclusive environment.’
The Panel Could Have Negative Effects on Trans Individuals
The National LGBTQIA+ helpline also joined the conversation, explaining the panel’s potentially negative effects on ‘trans individuals.’
They Were Receptive
While Switchboard acknowledged that MCM Comic-Con had been receptive to their concerns, they insisted that the presence of the Harry Potter panel would undermine the promised inclusive environment.
Comic-Con Decided to Withdraw
In response, the Comic-Con withdrew from hosting the Harry Potter panel.
A spokesman said, “Following discussions between MCM Comic-Con and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a joint decision has been taken for the production not to run the proposed panel on 28 October.”
Online Users Expressed Their Views
Several online media users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One user wrote, “So if someone says they don’t feel “safe” around people that are confused about their gender, will all the trans people be banned from Comic-Con?”
This Is Insane
Another user added, “How do they cope with life being this fragile? It’s insane that people are still pandering to this nonsense. Be firm. Say no.”
Harming Them
A third user added, “Lowering the overall bar for harm hurts trans people more than isolated incidents of “help” like this. You might keep Harry Potter out of the panel discussion, but now everything else in their lives that isn’t under your control just became more capable of harming them.”
Rowling Is a True Feminist
A fourth user wrote, “J.K Rowling is a true feminist, watching out and saying the difficult things to protect women. Not like many other feminists that just want to watch the world and the men burn.”
The post Harry Potter Panel Canceled at MCM London Comic Con Amidst JK Rowling Transgender Controversy Sparks LGBTQ Community Uproar first appeared on Pulse of Pride
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Anna Zheludkova. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
