The recent transphobic comments, and the extensive essay, written by children's author JK Rowling continue to have an effect as a number of authors have left the literary agency The Blair Parnership, the company that represents Rowling.
Drew Davies, Fox Fisher, Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir, and a fourth author who wishes to remain unnamed, have left the agency, and have released a joint statement regarding their decision.
#Writers4TransRights#Allies4TransRightsWe are writing this statement as a group of writers who are signed to The Blair Partnership, to announce our resignation from the agency.This decision is not made lightly, and we are saddened and disappointed it has come to this. After J. K. Rowling’s — who is also signed to the agency — public comments on transgender issues, we reached out to the agency with an invitation to reaffirm their stance to transgender rights and equality. After our talks with them, we felt that they were unable to commit to any action that we thought was appropriate and meaningful. Freedom of speech can only be upheld if the structural inequalities that hinder equal opportunities for underrepresented groups are challenged and changed.Affirmations to support LGBTQIA people as a whole need to be followed up by meaningful and impactful action, both internally and publicly. As LGBTQIA writers ourselves we feel strongly about having an agency that supports our rights at all avenues, and does not endorse views that go against our values and principles.We stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA — and allied — staff in all areas of publishing who are working incredibly hard to champion diverse voices and experiences to challenge the homogeneity of the industry. But the issues of inequality and oppression are far reaching, from racism to ableism and sexism. Agencies and publishers need to create platforms for underrepresented groups from the ground up and make meaningful change within their culture. Representation must extend into real and authentic representation of diverse voices.We would like to particularly extend our solidarity to the trans community at this time, many who might feel vulnerable, alienated and unsupported right now. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. This is a particularly difficult time when it must sometimes feel like the world is closing in on you. We want you to know that you are not alone, that there are many people who will always stand by you and fight for you and that better times are coming.We know that having access to services to support women who’ve experienced sexual and/or domestic abuse is incredibly vital for all women, especially those who belong to other minorities, and that such services are severely underfunded.We are therefore making a collective donation to Shakti Women’s Aid — a charity that is part of the Scottish Women’s Aid movement — that supports BAME women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. We would like to invite others to donate to them as well, or any other charity working in the Women’s Aid Movement across the UK or charities working directly with transgender people.Signed (22 June 2020), the following authors signed to The Blair Partnership:Drew DaviesFox FisherUgla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir (Owl)#Writers4TransRights#Allies4TransRights
The Blair Partnership represent Rowling, and all aspects of her Harry Potter work, including the recent Cursed Child play. The website features images from both the play, and the recent Fantastic Beasts film, along with a message claiming that they are an agency with a 'progressive approach to representation'.
Despite claiming to be progressive and championing representation a group of LGBTQ+ authors felt strongly enough that they could not work with the agency following talks with them, which could indicate that the company cares more for the money they make from Rowling and her work than fair representation to the LGBTQ+ community.
A spokesperson from the company has said that The Blair Partnership would not 'compromise the fundamental freedom' of allowing authors the right to express their thoughts and belies, even if those beliefs are bigoted and harmful it appears. They also said that they would not 're-educate' staff to 'meet the demands of a small group', again indicating that despite the claims on their website LGBTQ+ representation matters little to them.
We support the rights of all of our clients to express their thoughts and beliefs, and we believe in freedom of speech. Publishing and the creative arts are dependent on these things. It is our duty, as an agency to support all of our clients in this fundamental freedom and we do not comment on their individual views.We are disappointed by the decision that four clients have taken to part ways with the agency. To reiterate, we believe in freedom of speech for all; these clients have decided to leave because we did not meet their demands to be re-educated to their point of view. We respect their right to pursue what they feel is the correct course of action.We value all our authors’ voices and, as an agency, champion equality and inclusivity. We remain committed to making the agency the most welcoming environment it can be for everyone. The diversity of our clients’ voices is our strength and we take enormous pride from each and every one.
Jónsdóttir has stated that the authors approached the company to ask them to make a public statement in support of trans rights, and to train staff in trans awareness but said that these requests 'weren't met positively by the management'.
We tried speaking with them internally before going public. We felt like we had to speak out about it. As trans people it’s just a matter of values,' Jónsdóttir said. 'We don’t want to be associated with an agency that doesn’t value the same things that we do.'
This is the latest result of the transphobia stated by Rowling, last week Republican senator James Lankford used Rowling's essay and quoted her words to shut down debate on trans rights, insisting that US citizens should be free to openly discriminate against trans people.
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