JK Rowling, known for her outspoken views on gender identity issues, shared screenshot of a US study on puberty blockers that remains unpublished due to political concerns.
Quoting an article published in the New York Times, titled “US Study on Puberty Blockers Goes Unpublished Because of Politics, Doctor Says”, Rowling’s post featured a sarcastic take: “We must not publish a study that says we’re harming children because people who say we’re harming children will use the study as evidence that we’re harming children, which might make it difficult for us to continue harming children.”
This study, conducted by Dr Johanna Olson-Kennedy, began in 2015 and investigated the effects of puberty blockers on transgender youth.While earlier studies had shown positive mental health outcomes, this American trial did not yield similar results. Dr Olson-Kennedy revealed that the study, which tracked 95 children over two years, did not lead to significant mental health improvements.
However, she delayed publishing the findings, citing concerns that the data could be misused in the current politically charged climate, particularly in states where such treatments have been banned.
Rowling’s post criticises what she perceives as attempts to withhold vital information on the impact of puberty blockers on children. Her stance on gender identity issues, especially regarding transgender treatments, has sparked widespread debate in recent years.
The author’s public statements have frequently positioned her in opposition to gender-affirming care, drawing both support and backlash from different sides of the issue.
Rowling has consistently taken a firm stand on gender identity.
Recently, she ridiculed the Scottish Government’s move to introduce a list of 24 gender identities, aligning with her history of what some critics term “anti-trans rhetoric.”
Rowling has also criticised the inclusion of trans women in sports. A few months back, she took aim at Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif, suggesting she is not biologically female, and condemned her participation in a women’s match.
Her strong opinions on matters such as biological sex have resonated with certain political figures, such as Conservative Party leader hopeful Kemi Badenoch, who suggested Rowling should be given a peerage for her stance.
As per BBC, Rowling revealed that she has received peerage offers on two separate occasions in the past but she declined both of them and stated that she would decline again if offered in future.