In a recent tweet, a fan asked Rowling if she was troubled by the LGBTQ+ readership she has lost as a result of her use of transphobic language on social media. How do you go to sleep at night knowing you’ve stopped selling your books to an entire audience?
On October 13, Rowling replied to a tweet with the following statement:
“I read my most recent royalty cheques and find the pain goes away pretty quickly.”
In other words, Rowling actually stated that as long as she is still earning money, she doesn’t care if she offends transgender people or loses LGBTQ+ admirers.
This is a blatant shot at LGBTQ+ individuals who have attempted to maintain a separation between her art and her remarks. In the end, as long as her checks are still clearing, Rowling will continue to promote transphobia and alienate gay fans.
The majority of Rowling’s income comes not only from the sold Harry Potter books but also from royalties from the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter movies, rides at Universal Studios’ theme parks, and other branded goods.