The UK Supreme Court has ruled that transgender women do not legally meet the definition of “women” under the Equality Act. The decision states that sex is “binary… a person is either a woman or a man.”
The ruling marked the end of a nearly seven-year legal fight, spearheaded by the anti-trans group For Women Scotland – an organisation backed financially by JK. Rowling.
The billionaire Harry Potter author, long vocal in her views opposing trans rights, wasted no time celebrating. Shortly after the ruling, Rowling posted a photo of herself lounging by the sea, cigar in one hand, drink in the other, with the caption: “I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.”
It wasn’t just the cigar photo that raised eyebrows – it was the years of rhetoric behind it. Rowling has often repeated discredited claims about gender-affirming care and trans identities, describing hormone therapy as “conversion therapy” and arguing that trans women pose risks to women’s safety – views widely condemned by medical experts and LGBTQ+ advocates alike.
Her supporters used the ruling as an opportunity to call for public apologies to Rowling and other women who they say were “cancelled” for challenging trans rights. But critics pushed back.
Celebrity Backlash Rolls In
Comedian and SNL cast member Bowen Yang made his position crystal clear, sharing a selfie on Instagram giving Rowling the middle finger, accompanied by a trans pride flag and the words: “absolute f*** u to JK Rowling.”
Meanwhile, Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan posted a heartfelt video to her fans expressing deep concern over the ruling. “To see people celebrating this is just stomach-churning and disgusting,” she said. Coughlan also launched a fundraiser for trans charity Not A Phase. She pledged to match the total herself.
“Keep your new Harry Potter lads,” she added. “Wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.”
Fellow Bridgerton alum Charithra Chandran added her voice on TikTok: “I’ve never felt unsafe around a trans woman. My womanhood has never felt threatened. Honestly, loser behaviour.”
An old fight, a new moment
While Rowling has often claimed she’s been “cancelled,” her cultural influence remains powerful. She’s continued to publish bestselling books and launch new Potter-related projects. But the backlash to her latest victory lap reveals a deep cultural divide – and a growing wave of resistance.
For critics and allies of the trans community, this isn’t just about one ruling – it’s about the message it sends, and the lives it impacts. And while Rowling may be celebrating, others are organising, donating, and speaking up louder than ever before.
