She was a single Mom, raising her daughter in a dumpy bed-sit in Edinburgh, perpetually scrambling for money. I was in my thirties when I discovered Harry Potter, so even though I related Harry and his vulnerabilities, what inspired me most was Jo Rowling’s “Cinderella” story. I don’t know if any of them were gay or trans, but as the podcast made clear, the online fan community was full of LGBTQ kids who also got strength from Harry. Jo made a habit of writing responses to the troubled kids who needed her. After reaching out to Jo with a fan letter, the two of them became pen pals. Fan-cum-actress Evanna Lynch said the books helped her through her eating disorder. Kids with dyslexia became avid readers because the story was so riveting. The books gave hope and healing to kids facing all sorts of tough challenges. Fan after fan said that they identified with Harry and his friends, misfits and underdogs who came together to defeat forces of hate. The podcast begins with the voices of on-the-street Harry Potter fans describing why they fell in love with the series.
And so, in that spirit, she waded into the acrimonious controversy surrounding Jo Rowling. Bridging divides takes patience and good will.
0 kommentar(er)
