Latest news with #J.K.RowlingWomen'sFund
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
J.K. Rowling Has Anti-Trans Fund From Harry Potter Wealth
J.K. Rowling has created a new organization that is a "legal fighting fund for women protecting their sex-based rights," furthering her financial commitment to funding anti-trans legislation. The UK Supreme Court made headlines last month for its ruling that meant that trans women can no longer be legally considered women. Rowling herself celebrated the move and had contributed the equivalent of $92,000 to the group that brought the case against the Scottish government. Last week, the Harry Potter author posted on X saying that she'd "happily fund" legal action "on the basis of sex discrimination." She then confirmed that she'd support a cis woman incarcirated with a transgender woman who wanted to sue, writing, "I'd give financial backing to any woman who wanted to sue because she suffered detriments through being incarcerated with a man." The "J.K. Rowling Women's Fund," which appears to have been created recently, is a private fund, meaning that it gets its money from Rowling's personal wealth. This means that others cannot donate, as she clarified on X, "I looked into all options and a private fund is the most efficient, streamlined way for me to do this." For one, the group funds women and organizations who believe they have been made to comply with "unreasonable inclusion policies" or who have faced professional difficulties because of their "expressed beliefs." Screening questions include asking organizations whether they have "been forced to adopt policies regarding female-only spaces or trans inclusion that you fundamentally disagree with." The news of Rowling's fund comes as HBO has finalized the casting for their series based on the book. As per Forbes, she's estimated to earn around $20 million per year for her involvement in the series. The creation of the fund subsequently attracted backlash, furthering calls for a boycott of licensed Harry Potter products. Meanwhile, Rowling has continued to post anti-trans rhetoric on X, including referring to trans women and "men in skirts" and accusing them of coordinating "a hostile takeover." It's certainly not the first time people have called for a boycott — Pedro Pascal even chimed in last month to write of Rowling, "Awful disgusting SHIT is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior." This morning, Forbes wrote that "Rowling's business empire is now larger than ever" and she is once again a billionaire.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
J.K. Rowling sets up private fund to offer legal support for 'women's sex-based rights': What we know
J.K. Rowling, author of the world-famous Harry Potter novels, has opened a new fund in her name to protect individuals or organizations facing legal action for their sex-based rights. The author has previously spoken out against trans activists and has sponsored such legal and social protests in the past. The official website of the J.K. Rowling Women's Fund (JKRWF) says that it 'offers legal funding support to individuals and organizations fighting to retain women's sex-based rights in the workplace, in public life, and protected female spaces. It provides women with the means and confidence to bring to justice cases that make legal precedents, force policy change, and make positive contributions to women's lives in the future.' The fund has also established eligibility criteria to determine who can apply for aid from the organization. Legal representation is open to those who 'have lost their livelihoods or are facing tribunals because of their expressed beliefs; are being forced to comply with unreasonable inclusion policies regarding single-sex spaces and services, or female-only clubs and events; are challenging legislation which takes away the freedoms or protections women are entitled to or don't have adequate means to bring actions to court or to defend themselves'. The organization also states that it can only help those who have already sought legal representation for their case. The fund is completely sponsored by Rowling's grants and does not accept any public donations. Rowling said in a social media post, 'I looked into all options and a private fund is the most efficient, streamlined way for me to do this. Lots of people are offering to contribute, which I truly appreciate, but there are many other women's rights organizations that could do with the money, so donate away, just not to me!' The logo of JKRWF, Rowling says, is inspired by Athena or Pallas, the goddess of wisdom and war. She explained that Athena's symbol being incorporated into the logo 'signifies a shield and a woman, which seemed appropriate to the aims of the fund – giving women the means to protect themselves against oppression and unfairness.' Those applying to the fund must be based in the UK or Ireland, and should be able to explain how their lives have been impacted by their beliefs on 'biological sex being unchangeable' and provide reasons for requesting financial support. The website includes a form at the end and if a person has gone through all the requirements dictated, they may be considered eligible to receive funding. Previously, Rowling had funded a legal case that challenged the 2010 Equality Act's definition of a woman. A Supreme Court ruling earlier this year established sex determined at birth as the way to identify a woman, negating federal recognition of transgender women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs). The ruling banned trans women from competing in the sports category of their identified sex and preceded a judgement by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which prevented trans people from using lavatory facilities of their choice. Rowling is considered one of the wealthiest people living in Scotland at present.
