JK Rowling's tweet about 'people who menstruate' slammed by followers, called transphobic

Is JK Rowling transphobic? The internet seems to think so due to a tweet that the author shared on Sunday that created an uproar on the social media platform.

The writer shared an article and raised an objection to how the headline was worded. The headline of the article written for Devex read, 'Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.'

"'People who menstruate.' I'm sure there used to be a word for those people," Rowling tweeted Saturday evening. "Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"

Soon after Rowling tweeted the article, several people were quick to criticize her. Several stated that her tweet not only overlooked the trans-woman and those who identify as non-binary but also attempted to define a woman as a person who has menstrual period.

Several pointed out to the author that many people who identify as women, such as transgender women and women who have gone through menopause, may not get their periods, while some people who do not identify as women may still menstruate, such as transgender men and some who identify as non-binary.

"I know you know this because you have been told over and over and over again, but transgender men can menstruate," tweeted a follower. "Non-binary people menstruate. I, a 37-year old woman with a uterus, have not menstruated in a decade. Women are not defined by their periods."

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"What happens when women enter menopause? What about women who had hysterectomies? Who don't menstruate because of hormonal issues? Are they not women?" another user shot back at the author. "Nothing you say stops trans women from being women."

Having faced severe criticism, Rowling later tried to salvage the situation and posted an additional series of tweets on Saturday night trying to defend and explain her now-viral tweet.

"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," Rowling tweeted. "The idea that women like me, who've been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they're vulnerable in the same way as women — ie, to male violence — 'hate' trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences — is a nonsense."

While Rowling attempted to clear the air with her stance, the post led to further criticism as many took issue with her framing of trans and non-binary-inclusive language as "erasing the concept of sex."

"JK Rowling continues to align herself with an ideology which willfully distorts facts about gender identity and people who are trans. In 2020, there is no excuse for targeting trans people," tweeted a GLAAD. The organization also encouraged its followers to direct their "rightful anger" into "something positive" and donate to various organizations that support the black transgender community.

"Trans women are women. Trans Black people & trans non-Black people are discriminated against every single day," tweeted Jonathan Van Ness of the Netflix show 'Queer Eye.' "They're dying. We're fighting for Black people & trans people and you're doing this?"

Interestingly, this isn't the first time that the author who wrote The Harry Potter Series, has been drawn to controversy for her comments on the transgender community.

In December, Rowling tweeted support for researcher Maya Forstater, who lost her job due to transphobic tweets, after she lost a court case against her former employer.

"Dress however you please. Call yourself whatever you like. Sleep with any consenting adult who'll have you. Live your best life in peace and security. But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real? #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill," Rowling tweeted at the time.