Harry Potter star Rupert Grint spoke out in support of trans people to ‘get some kindness out there’
Former Harry Potter star Rupert Grint (Getty/Michael Loccisano)
Rupert Grint has explained why he opted to follow his co-stars in expressing his support for transgender rights.
The actor had joined his former co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in making statements of support for trans equality in June last year, after Harry Potter author JK Rowling published her infamous ‘TERF wars’ blog.
Speaking to The Times on Wednesday (13 January), Grint said that it was “important” for him to stand up for what he believes in.
Rupert Grint says communities ‘need our support and love’
He explained : “Social media can start important conversations but if you put your opinions out there, you can get bombarded.
“I do think it’s still important to stand up for what you believe in, and for people and communities that need our support and love.
“That’s why I spoke out last year. I wanted to get some kindness out there.”
Rupert Grint attends red carpet of Dinard Film festival opening ceremony on September 27, 2018 in Dinard, France. (Getty/Sylvain Lefevre)
Rupert Grint had said at the time: “I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers.
“Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgement.”
Harry Potter lead trio all spoke out in support of trans equality
Daniel Radcliffe was the first major Harry Potter star to respond directly to Rowling, in a statement released through LGBT+ charity The Trevor Project.
“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I,” he said.
Emma Watson, who was on the record in support of trans equality long before Rowling’s blog, also reiterated her support.
She said: “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.”
Grint recently said he wouldn’t rule out a Harry Potter reunion, however.
He told Comicbook: “Never say never. I would never say, ‘Absolutely no’. It was a huge part of my life and I’m very fond of that character and their stories.
“So yeah, I mean, I’d be up for it at the right time. I don’t know what capacity that would be, but yeah, we’ll see.”
