Renowned author Judy Blume has recently clarified her stance on trans rights, after comments made in an interview with The Sunday Times were taken out of context. In the interview, Blume expressed her support for JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, despite Rowling’s history of ‘gender-critical’ posts online. However, Blume has since taken to social media to reaffirm her support for the trans community, stating that she stands with them and vehemently disagrees with anyone who does not fully support equality and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people.
Blume’s recent statements regarding trans rights and her opposition to LGBTQ+ book bans in the US further highlight her long-standing allyship with the community. During a recent conversation with Variety, the author criticized the censorship of books that include content on sexuality and gender identity, stating that protecting children means educating them and arming them with knowledge. Blume’s seminal book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, faced its own struggle with censorship due to depictions of menstruation and a young child being able to freely decipher her own religion.
As the world awaits the release of the Lionsgate film adaptation of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Blume’s clarification on her support for trans rights reminds us of the importance of accepting and embracing all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In a world where bans on LGBTQ+ books are still being enforced, and trans people continue to face discrimination and marginalization, voices like Blume’s are more important than ever.