The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
Despite some criticisms, The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling podcast offers an informative and engaging discussion of one of the most controversial topics of our time: the intersection of trans and women's rights, with a focus on J.K. Rowling's views as a prominent figure in the TERF movement.
It is worth noting that the series takes place within a generally progressive, liberal context, with little attention given to more conservative views on the right of the political spectrum.
Episode 1 explores Rowling's life before Harry Potter, including experiences of domestic abuse and destitution, providing background for her views. It also covers the early stages of development of the Harry Potter story.
Episode 2 covers Rowling's rise to fame with the Harry Potter series and the first wave of backlash from the Christian right in the 90s, including accusations of witchcraft and corrupting youth, death threats, and book burnings.
Episode 3 follows the development of the Harry Potter fandom and begins to discuss sexual identity politics, tracing the origins of current debates to the tumblr-4chan Wars of the 2010s. It also explores some abusive aspects of online communities.
Episode 4 delves into the TERF wars, exploring the development of the trans rights movement and the clashes between some trans rights and women's rights activists over whether trans rights infringe on women's rights in certain situations.
Episode 5 covers the Twitter battles and J.K. Rowling's entry into the debate, coming out in support of Maya Forstater, who lost her job for tweeting that trans women cannot change their biological sex. The episode includes an interview with Kathleen Stock, a philosophy professor who lost her job after openly discussing her trans-critical views.
Episode 6 features two interviews with trans people, one with Natalie Wynn, aka ContraPoints (Incidentally, her YouTube episode challenging Rowling’s views is very good and well worth watching), and one with Noah, a teenage trans boy. They discuss the medical transition process in detail, including information, options, alternatives, and safeguards, as well as cases of transition regret and scientific studies.
Episode 7 explores two themes: the history of the Salem witch trials and the main criticisms against Rowling's positions from the trans community. The episode asks, "What if you're wrong?" and "What would it take to change your mind?" Rowling acknowledges the possibility of being wrong and says that more data could change her mind.
