JK Rowling vows to keep speaking against ‘elitist’ trans movement despite ‘avalanche of death threats’ in new essay

Ms Rowling, 61, stated that while her position remains unchanged, “the landscape certainly has, and my own involvement in the issue has become practical as well as theoretical, so I thought it was time for an update.”

In the essay, she branded modern transgender activism as “elitist to its core” and the “inverse” of historical social justice causes.

The author also pledged to continue using her wealth to fund women’s legal battles.

Ms Rowling also took aim at “wealthy women who repost the vogueish mantras while sitting in dressing rooms guarded by private security guards” and at “headline-hungry female politicians” whose approach to women’s rights amounts to “whatever is good for me personally”.

Women working in senior positions in media, publishing and academia also angered Ms Rowling as she accused them of harbouring “a snobbish disdain for working class women who don’t want to strip off in front of heterosexual males who’ve ‘identified’ into the women’s changing room”.

She said she was “shocked and disgusted” that many women who have never experienced poverty or needed a rape crisis centre had spent years attacking other women for defending single-sex spaces.

Ms Rowling once again firmly rejected the label of transphobic, acknowledging that “without question” vulnerable trans people exist.

She stated that trans people should face no discrimination in housing or employment, nor be denied human rights or personal safety.

However, she maintained that biological sex shouldn’t be ignored or diminished, writing: “If a man can be a woman, there is no such thing as a woman.

“That might not matter to you personally, but it matters to millions of women who don’t have the luxury of pretending that their sex doesn’t matter.”

She clarified that she wasn’t suggesting that “all men are rapists, voyeurs or flashers” but added the caveat: “Enough are to make safeguarding necessary.”

Meanwhile, Ms Rowling pledged to keep channelling her resources into legal support for women.

She added: “I’ll continue to speak out, continue to use my money to help women who otherwise couldn’t afford to go to court, and continue to ensure that women in my area can still access female-delivered, female-centred support after rape.”

The JK Rowling Women’s Fund was among those backing the feminist group that brought the legal challenge leading to last year’s Supreme Court ruling, and continues to provide financial assistance for similar cases.

The essay was released just days after trans rights demonstrators stormed the red carpet at a gala performance of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child at London’s Palace Theatre.

Ms Rowling’s agent Neil Blair addressed the protestors earlier this week, condemning their actions and highlighting the risks to safety they posed.

“We respect peaceful activism and the right to express different views,” Mr Blair began.

“But those rights must be exercised without putting others at risk, including audience members, performers and theatre staff, as we saw yesterday evening during the protests outside the Palace Theatre in London ahead of the gala performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

“Above all, we want to continue bringing the magic of Harry Potter to the wonderful fans who have supported and embraced this world for so many years.

“Every fan deserves to enjoy the magic of Harry Potter in an atmosphere of respect and security, and we remain committed to keeping live theatre a welcoming and safe experience for everyone.”

Separately, the BBC recently announced a two-part documentary examining the author’s rise to fame and her divisive views on gender.