Author Judy Blume "behind J.K. Rowling 100%" on trans comments

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, legendary children’s author Judy Blume said she “loves” ‘Harry Potter’ author J.K. Rowling. “I’m behind her 100%,” said Blume, referring to the abuse Rowling received for her opinion on the difference between women and trans women.

Rowling’s defense of the concept of biological women (as opposed to “people who menstruate”) has come under fire from critics who accuse her of being transphobic because she does not believe transgender women and women are the exact same thing. The main 'Harry Potter' actors also publicly Rowling's view.

One of the other most popular writers of our time also got involved in the J.K. Rowling “trans woman versus woman debate.” He expressed his opinion that trans women are women and said the Harry Potter writer later blocked him.

Millions of children, youung adults, and adults have devoured Blume’s books, even though they address tough topics head-on. Her books for adolescents have focused on menstruation, bullying, body image and sexuality (including master - bation)

Blume’s books, published in the 1970s, were initially well-received. Then a conservative backlash emerged in the 1980s, with critics saying she emphasizes the physical aspect of growing up too much and her books were innapropriate. Five of her books were among the most banned in the 1990s.

Speaking to The Times, Blumes said the book-banning situation in the US is even worse now. “If it was bad in the 1980s, this is triple quadruple that, because this time it’s coming from the government, who are making laws. They say they want to protect kids, but it’s more like they want them to not think or ask questions,” she says. Many of the recently banned books have to do with sexual identity.

Once her books started to get banned, she became a crusader against the censorship of books. She’s a board member of the National Coalition Against Censorship, which aims to protect the freedom to read. ‘Harry Potter’ books were also initially banned for the themes of witchcraft too.

Blume told The Times she hasn’t been in touch with Rowling “during this tough time,” but she probably should reach out. “I met her very early on in her Harry Potter career, and she said to me, ‘Oh, my sister and I used to read all your books,” said Blume.

In the hours after Blume's Time comments were published, she took to Twitter to clarify the topic. "I wholly support the trans community. My point... is that I can empathize with a writer — or person — who has been harassed online," she said. "I disagree with anyone who does not fully support equality and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people."

Image: Blume with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney, 2023

While a few Judy Blume books were adapted to the screen in the 20th century, her works are about to be all over popular culture.

Blume’s most iconic book, which brings a relatably first-person view to female puberty, is being made for the screen for the first time. It’s set to have its world premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival on April 23 and hit US theaters on April 28.

Image: Trailer, ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,' Lionsgate Movies

Blume had rejected several offers to adapt the book since it was published in 1970. This version is being produced by James L. Brooks (of ‘The Simpsons’ and other fame). It’s being directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and will star Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret.

Image: Trailer, ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,' Lionsgate Movies

Although the book has been a rite of passage for preteens everywhere, Blume said on ‘The Today Show’ she feels wonder about the adaptation. “I love the movie. And how many authors can say ‘I think that movie is better than the book?’”

Image: Trailer, ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,' Lionsgate Movies

On ‘The Today Show’, the female hosts fawned over Blume, and the 85-year-old author admitted that it’s not uncommon. “I have a bookstore, and when women come into the bookstore, they cry, and it’s so sweet,” she said.

At the end of April, Amazon is also dropping a documentary on Blume’s trailblazing legacy called ‘Judy Blume Forever.’ In it, women like Molly Ringwald and Lena Dunham also describe the impact her writing had on their lives.

Those two aren’t the only Judy Blume material coming to a screen near you. ‘Superfudge’ is being turned into an animated series for Disney. In fact, it's set to become the first Disney film to not to be neither based on a preexisting Disney property or serve as a pilot for a series.

Netflix is planning a show based on ‘Forever’ and NBC’s Peacock is producing a show based on ‘Summer Sisters,’ according to The Times.