Judy Blume, one of the most popular YA authors, has been in the midst of controversy after sharing her support for J.K. Rowling. She expressed her support for the Harry Potter author, stating that she is “behind her 100% as I watch from afar.” But now, she is issuing clarifications and saying that her statement was “taken out of context.” According to Blume’s recent tweet, she was referring to “the abuse Rowling has received for speaking up in defense of women’s sex-based rights.” Blume also shared that she wholly supports the trans community and anyone who does not support equality for LGBTQIA+ people was “total bulls**t.”
In an interview with Variety, Blume stated that protecting children means educating them and arming them with knowledge. Children won’t become transgender or gay because of books they read. She urged guardians to support what their children want to read and understand them instead of banning books centered on LGBTQ content.
Blume, who writes for young readers, has always faced some resistance to how she tackles sensitive topics like puberty and sexuality. She shared in a recent speech at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon that censorship has been an issue she has encountered. As a result, she highlights the importance of talking about these issues with children and not excluding them from books.
Overall, Blume wants to eliminate discrimination in any form, including misogyny, racism, and homophobia. She emphasizes her full support for the trans community and maintains that her statement was not intended to align with J.K. Rowling’s controversial viewpoints on sex and gender.
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