As a longtime supporter of LGBT rights, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was excited to hear the results of the marriage equality referendum in Ireland last week.
Replying to a tweet from a fan, Rowling joked that now Dumbledore (who is gay) and Gandalf would be able to get married.
.@justaoifethings 💚🍀🌈💚 Then they could get married IN IRELAND! 💚🍀🌈💚 pic.twitter.com/yXedPavZfp
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 23, 2015
Rowling often replies to fans on Twitter, so this dorky but heartfelt message was pretty normal.
Unfortunately, it was picked up by a member of the violently homophobic Westboro Baptist Church, who tweeted that the group would picket any potential wedding between Gandalf and Dumbledore. (A bizarre threat, given that both men both fictional wizards. But whatever.)
Warning: Like many messages from the Westboro Baptist Church, this tweet includes some offensive language.
https://twitter.com/WBCSaysRepent/status/603288066388828160
Not one to let hate speech slide on a public forum, Rowling hit back with a badass response.
.@WBCsigns Alas, the sheer awesomeness of such a union in such a place would blow your tiny bigoted minds out of your thick sloping skulls.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 26, 2015
Some fans disapproved of Rowling even acknowledging the WBC, an organization that thrives on public controversy and outrage. However, Rowling made it clear that her message wasn’t really intended for the WBC themselves, but rather for her own followers. As an LGBT ally, she wanted to strike back against homophobic behavior, and the WBC’s vitriol offered a good outlet.
@jk_rowling while i am in total agreement with you, giving them attention is counterproductive. that’s what they want.
— Lara (@livehead16) May 26, 2015
I don’t care about WBC. I think it’s important that scared gay kids who aren’t out yet see hate speech challenged. https://t.co/XumjDmEjuw
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 27, 2015
Screengrab via Rowling Archives/YouTube
