Multiple sources this weekend informed me about JK Rowling’s announcement that Harry Potter’s beloved headmaster Professor Dumbledore is actually gay. Interesting news I guess, especially if you are wrapped up in the “lives” of fictional characters.
To me it doesn’t matter if he’s gay, straight, had a secret affair with an elf, or worse a muggle. Mugglesexual? While I believe Ms. Rowling’s comments to be in jest, it bothers me that she would joke about it. The days of insulting someone by calling them gay should be capital O – over. Had her intention been one of tolerance then she should have broached the subject in her multimillion dollar earning books in a forthright manner. To mention it after the fact is a weak attempt with no cost to her pocketbook. A more risky move (but one worthy of respect) would have been to write it into the actual story.
It is not shocking to me that a character in a “children’s” story would turn out to be gay. Plenty of characters throughout the fiction have frequented the “Neighbors Bar” in fantasy land. Last time I was there with my friend Craig, I saw Prince Charming putting the moves on TinkyWinky (who I thought was a little young to be out that late.) Poor Cinderella, I hope that Prince tells her that he’s a member of the family before they have kids. Maybe they have an agreement – but it’s really none of our business.
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