Police were called to the head office of Stonewall in Central London this week after a trans rights activist demanded the LGBTQ charity and its new chair publicly condemn author JK Rowling.
Activist Confronts Stonewall Staff
On Wednesday, June 17, campaigners from Surrey Trans Action and Defund Transphobes entered Stonewall's headquarters in Clerkenwell. They called on both the charity and its incoming chair, Kezia Dugdale, to denounce Rowling over her gender-critical views.
Footage of the encounter was shared on the Instagram account 'I'm Truly Sophie'. In the video, an activist reads a speech criticizing Dugdale's earlier comments about Rowling, made in an April interview with The Guardian.
Dugdale's Remarks Spark Anger
Kezia Dugdale, former Scottish Labour leader, was announced as Stonewall's new chair earlier this year and is due to take up the role in September. In the Guardian interview, she said she had “huge respect for JK Rowling” and that there was “absolutely a space for her in public life”.
The comments angered some in the transgender community, given Rowling's public statements on gender identity. Dugdale has since apologized for her words.
Activist's Demands
In the video, the activist states: “It's incredibly telling that a large chunk of this interview is spent talking about JK Rowling and the question of Stonewall's commitment to trans inclusivity. It would have taken mere seconds to indicate disapproval of Rowling's behaviour and reiterate Stonewall's unwavering support of trans rights.”
The activist also complained about difficulties facing the trans community while others “openly and gleefully celebrate our hardships”. They added: “We are asking both Stonewall UK and Kezia Dugdale for a public condemnation of JK Rowling's blatantly transphobic rhetoric and actions. We are calling for further assurance that Stonewall UK's campaigns and programs going forward will continue to promote trans inclusion.”
The group concluded: “We will not allow Stonewall to evade accountability by hiring politicians to pander to gender critical bigots with fat pockets. It's time for you to live up to your name and the history that started you. Sincerely, the activists of Defund Transphobes.”
Police Response
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to the scene but said the situation “resolved itself” before officers arrived. Stonewall and Ms Dugdale have been approached for comment.
