Quidditch renamed to distance it from JK
OFFICIALS in charge of Quidditch, a sport inspired by Harry Potter, are to change its name to “distance” it from JK Rowling because of her views on transgender issues.
US Quidditch (USQ) and Major League Quidditch (MLQ) will conduct surveys in the next few months to decide the new name, they announced in a joint statement this week.
It said: “The leagues are hoping a name change can help them continue to distance themselves from the works of JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series, who has increasingly come under scrutiny for her anti-trans positions in recent years.”
“Our sport has developed a reputation as one of the most progressive sports in the world on gender equality and inclusivity, in part thanks to its gender maximum rule, which stipulates that a team may not have more than four players of the same gender on the field at a time.
“Both organisations feel it is imperative to live up to this reputation in all aspects of their operations and believe this move is a step in that direction.”
Quidditch players fly around on broomsticks and try to score points by throwing balls into three rings belonging to the opponents while “seekers” compete to catch a small flying ball called the “golden snitch” .
The first real-life game was played in 2005 and there are now more than 450 teams worldwide in more than 30 countries. Players hold broomsticks between their legs as they play a contact sport similar to football and hockey.
JK Rowling came under fire from activists last year after mocking the use of the phrase “people who menstruate” in menstrual health guidance.
The author was also subjected to abuse for criticising the view that male and female sexes do not exist. She argued that “erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives”.