Harry Potter Fans Still Have an LGBTQ+ Friend in Daniel Radcliffe

The Harry Potter fandom keeps growing strong as the popular franchise continues to build new storylines around the childhood classic written by author J.K. Rowling. In recent years however, Rowling’s public feelings towards the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, has caused controversy amongst Potterheads, old and new.

While Rowling continues to get ‘canceled’ by those who have enjoyed and identified with characters she created, others, such as actor Daniel Radcliffe, who famously played the lead role of Harry Potter throughout the entire films series, thankfully continue to show their support for this diverse fanbase.

In a recent interview with Indiewire, Radcliffe addressed his desire to be a source of comfort for those struggling with their identity. Radcliffe is still very much seen as a role model and ally for LGBTQ+ youth — and he isn’t afraid to say so, despite Rowling’s words.

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“Particularly since finishing ‘Potter,’ I’ve met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with Potter,” Radcliffe explained. “I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way.”

Back in 2020, Radcliffe declared his support for the transgender community with a very public letter posted on The Trevor Project’s official website. The organization provides many important resources, including a suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, for communities around the world.

“I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself,” the letter begins, “but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now.”

Radcliffe went on to share his thoughts on transgender rights exclusive of what “Jo” Rowling’s opinions. He spoke about how, through public statistics on transgender mental health, violence, and oppression, much more work is needed to help support the community.

“To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you,” he adds in the letter. “If you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred.”

Other actors in the Harry Potter universe have also stood strongly against Rowling’s hateful and hurtful comments.

“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are,” declared Emma Watson, who played Hermione in the films, in a tweet from 2020. “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”

Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.

— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020

Rupert Grint, who played Potter’s BFF Ron Weasley, also publicly stated his support for the trans community in media interviews.

Two years later, Radcliffe’s feelings thankfully have not changed.

“I’ve worked with the Trevor Project for more than 10 years,” the former Harry Potter icon told Indiewire, reflecting his commitment to the organization since 2010. “I don’t think I would’ve been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything.”

Radcliffe has since taken on new roles very much outside of the Harry Potter box, including the leading role of Weird Al Yankovic in an upcoming biopic (to be released on November 4, 2022). As he continues to develop his own identity on and offscreen, at least fans of all kinds can feel like they’ve got the film’s main man/wizard on their side.