JK Rowling defends her right to speak on trans issues in powerful essay, reveals details of her abusive past

Author JK Rowling controversial tweet on 'people who menstruate' drew a lot of criticism for the author with many terming her transphobic. She has been targetted by trans activists and the criticism at times has taken the form of abusive language and threats of violence.

Now, defending her right to speak about trans issues without the fear of abuse, Rowling has opened up about her abusive past in a powerful essay. The author has explained the complex reasons for her interest in the subject and has revealed details of her past.

In a 3,600-word essay, published on her website, the writer explained in detail her research and beliefs on trans issues, and the concerns she has about how women`s rights and some young people`s lives were being impacted by some forms of trans activism.

She also revealed that she has wondered whether she might have sought to transition to being a man had she been born 30 years later.

The 'Harry Potter' author also revealed that she has been a survivor of domestic abuse and of sexual assault and that's why feels deeply for millions of women in similar situation.

"That assault happened at a time and in a space where I was vulnerable, and a man capitalised on an opportunity. I couldn't shut out those memories and I was finding it hard to contain my anger and disappointment about the way I believe my government is playing fast and loose with womens and girls' safety.'
'I've been in the public eye now for over twenty years and have never talked publicly about being a domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor,' she wrote.

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"I haven’t written this essay in the hope that anybody will get out a violin for me, not even a teeny-weeny one," she wrote in the conclusion to her piece, describing herself as "extraordinarily fortunate".

"I’ve only mentioned my past because, like every other human being on this planet, I have a complex back-story, which shapes my fears, my interests and my opinions. I never forget that inner complexity when I’m creating a fictional character and I certainly never forget it when it comes to trans people.

"All I’m asking – all I want – is for similar empathy, similar understanding, to be extended to the many millions of women whose sole crime is wanting their concerns to be heard without receiving threats and abuse," the author wrote.

Last weekend, Rowling faced severe backlash on Twitter after she criticised an opinion piece that used the phrase "people who menstruate" and posited that discussion of gender identity invalidates biological sex.

Days after JK Rowling's tweet went viral, actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the screen adaptation of the book, weighed in on Rowling's comments and said that it was time to acknowledge the issues faced by the transgender community.

"Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I," Radcliffe said in an essay.