Glamour UK has perfect response to JK Rowling’s complaint about its trans cover
JK Rowling was, unsurprisingly, not happy trans women got recognition. (Getty/Glamour/Instagram)
JK Rowling was, unsurprisingly, not happy trans women got recognition. (Getty/Glamour/Instagram)
Glamour UK proved how to Protect the Dolls by clapping back against JK Rowling complaining about its latest cover, which features a group of trans women.
The fashion magazine honoured nine “ground-breaking” trans women in a cover story for its annual award, which commemorates women who have made “extraordinary and inspirational” changes over the past year.
Its latest issue, revealed in a Thursday (30 October) social media post, features campaigners, musicians, actresses, and authors all wearing “Protect the Dolls” shirts created by Connor Ives in February.
The phrase is often used by trans women to affirm their femininity and as a synonym for trans rights. Its usage originated in 80s ballroom culture.
Featured on the cover are Munroe Bergdorf, Maxine Heron, Taira, Munya, Bell Priestley, Dani St. James, Ceval Omar, Mya Mehmi, and Shon Faye.
JK Rowling, whose gender-critical views about trans people are extensive and well-recorded, was quick to complain about the magazine’s decision to name the nine “dolls” as women of the year.
The Harry Potter writer claimed that, by choosing to platform transgender women, the magazine is suggesting that trans women are “better” than cisgender women.
In a post on X, she wrote: “I grew up in an era when mainstream women’s magazines told girls they needed to be thinner and prettier. Now mainstream women’s magazines tell girls that men are better women than they are.”
Nowhere in GlamourUK’s cover story does it suggest this. This is only the second time the magazine has picked a trans woman for one of its awards in its almost three-decade history. JK Rowling herself was selected for an award in 2005.
A social media spokesperson for the publication made its thoughts on Rowling’s criticism clear, replying in a post on X/Twitter: “Better luck next year Jo x.”
“We are only going to get through this if we stick together”
GlamourUK’s feature highlighted the continued activism of its nine inductees and focused on positivity amid growing hostility towards trans people.
Asked what sisterhood means to her, Not A Phase chief executive, Dani St James emphasised the community’s need to stick together as the UK grows more volatile.
“We are only going to get through this if we stick together and support one another through this very difficult time, and what is likely to be an even more challenging period ahead,” she said. “Sisterhood for me is the assurance that I’m able to share that experience with people and get through it.”
