J.K. Rowling has accused Glamour Magazine of “telling girls that men are better women than they are” after the publication named nine transgender activists as their Women of the Year.
The world-famous author, who has been outspoken against transgender rights, took to social media to criticize the event, which was billed as celebrating “the world’s most extraordinary women—trailblazers, rule breakers, visionaries, and champions.”
Sharing a picture of the nine honorees, Rowling wrote:
I grew up in an era when mainstream women’s magazines told girls they needed to be thinner and prettier. Now mainstream women’s magazines tell girls that men are better women than they are.
The honorees include Munroe Bergdorf, a controversial activist who once called “all white people racist” and said the Suffragettes were “white supremacists.” Last year, Bergdorf was named the first “UK champion” for UN Women UK and was previously the first man identifying as a woman to model for L’Oréal. In 2017, Bergdorf was fired by the beauty company for the remarks on race.
Bergdorf is also a broadcaster and contributing editor at British Vogue and faced backlash over online comments about the Charlottesville rally, saying all white people were racist. Bergdorf later apologized after older social media posts resurfaced calling a Twitter user a “hairy barren lesbian” and wanting to “gay bash” a TV star.
All nine trans nominees appeared on Glamour’s latest cover wearing “Protect the Dolls” T-shirts. The term “doll” is often used to refer to men identifying as women. In a statement on X, Glamour said, “As trans rights face increasing threat in the UK, Glamour honors nine of the community’s most ground-breaking voices at this year’s Women of the Year Awards. From fashion and music to charity and activism work, these trailblazers work tirelessly to empower, uplift and celebrate trans voices.”
At the ceremony, Dani St. James spoke about the “Protect the Dolls” campaign, encouraging everyone to “Pay the dolls. Employ the dolls. Take the dolls off that mood board and put us in front of and behind the camera.” St. James did not mention any support for biological women in the speech.
Munroe Bergdorf also did not make any statements supporting all women, just highlighted the trans community, adding that ‘fascism is taking over the world’ and everyone should fight against it, while calling the audience “comrades” in the address.
Katy Jon Went, a consultant specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), introduced as a ‘diversity and inclusion facilitator’ on GB News, called the nomination “allyship that will backfire.” Went suspects the trans nomination was done intentionally to cause backlash and bring attention to the event; however, what it may ultimately do is bring even more hate and controversy.
