New Stonewall chair apologises for recent comments in support of JK Rowling
Kezia Dugdale (Getty Images)
Stonewall’s new chair, Kezia Dugdale, has apologised for comments she made about JK Rowling earlier this week following scrutiny from the LGBTQ+ community.
Dugdale, the former leader of Scottish Labour, was announced as the new Chair of Stonewall on 19 April and will take up the role in September. Her appointment comes after the charity has been accused of pushing a “militant trans agenda” by some vocal critics.
Speaking about the controversy surrounding Rowling and her views on trans people, Dugdale told The Guardian on 19 April: “I understand that and I’ve also heard JK Rowling and other people who hold a different position on these issues to me describe with a similar rawness how they’ve experienced being opposed for their views.
“And I just think, the days of these culture wars, about sitting in polar extremes from each other, should be behind us now.”
Dugdale went on to say that she has “a huge respect” for JK Rowling.
“I had the pleasure of meeting her before,” she said. “I think her story and how she came to be this prolific, incredible children’s writer, as a single mum writing in a café, is phenomenal and an inspiration to so many women across the country.”
She also called Rowling “a really powerful political advocate” when it comes to single mothers and tackling poverty and inequality.
“There’s absolutely a place for her in public life to share her experiences and tell her story and make a difference,” Dugdale concluded.
‘Trans inclusion is at the heart of Stonewall’s strategy’
Dugdale received backlash from trans and other LGBTQ+ supporters of Stonewall for her comments, prompting her to apologise.
In a statement shared on the Stonewall website on 23 April Dugdale said she was “truly sorry” for her comments and that she understands that they caused “worry, anger and upset”.
“I should have been absolutely unequivocal that I would never condone behaviour from anyone that seeks to or causes harm to anyone in our community. That is a red line for me and should be for all of us,” she said.
She went on to clarify her support for the trans community. “Trans inclusion is at the heart of Stonewall’s strategy, published last year. That will not change,” she said.
“Please know I won’t rest until everyone across the whole LGBTQ+ community has equal rights.”
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