Tiny Treasury

Reactions over Dumbledore’s Sexuality

It’s been a little over twenty-four hours since J.K. Rowling revealed that Dumbledore was gay, and opinions are already flaring. A large number of people are welcoming the news and commending Rowling for being frank. But, as the best-selling author predicted, some people are fuming.

The BBC spoke with gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchel, who said, “It’s good that children’s literature includes the reality of gay people, since we exist in every society.”

“But I am disappointed that she did not make Dumbledore’s sexuality explicit in the Harry Potter book. Making it obvious would have sent a much more powerful message of understanding and acceptance,” he added.

A spokesman for gay rights group Stonewall is also quoted by the BBC as saying, “It’s great that JK has said this. It shows that there’s no limit to what gay and lesbian people can do, even being a wizard headmaster.”

Meanwhile, USA Today talked with some of the reading’s attendees, all of whom had nothing negative to say. Kristen Coppola, 31, of Selden, N.Y., told the paper, “I think a true fan wouldn’t care if that comes out. Like she said, she wants the books to break all kinds of prejudices � why not that one?”

Her friend Kim Saldin, 36, of East Northport, N.Y., added, “I think it’s great � she hadn’t revealed any gay characters in the past, and they exist in society, so why not in the book? Some people are going to go nuts, but I think most people aren’t going to care.”

Some of the people who have “gone nuts” include Laura Mallory, who you may remember tried to ban the Harry Potter books on multiple occassions. She told ABC:

“My prayer is that parents would wake up, that the subtle way this is presented as harmless fantasy would be exposed for what it really is — a subtle indoctrination into anti-Christian values. The kids are being introduced to a cult and witchcraft practices,” adding, “A homosexual lifestyle is a harmful one. That’s proven, medically.”

ABC also quotes Values Voters’ summit attendee Katie Beach as saying, “I feel like children’s books shouldn’t be political — they shouldn’t have political ties, they’re entertainment. I think it’s pretty ridiculous for her to say that or to do that.”