Bringing greater tolerance to the trans debate

sir – I am glad to live in a country that allows adults to choose what gender they wish to adopt (Letters, June 13).

I am a woman of 88, as well as a daughter, widow, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. For much of my life, I have sought to support the health and legal rights of women. These rights are not only for those living in Britain, but also for the rest of the world, where many women have fewer, if any, rights.

Rights, however, come with responsibilities. Many generations have worked hard to achieve what we have, but the treatment of JK Rowling following the publication of her piece on the subject of gender identity has illustrated how far we have to go. We welcome those joining us, but also ask them to recognise their privilege to be here, accept their responsibilities, and show understanding and respect for the concerns of other women.

Edwina White

Porthcawl, Glamorgan

sir – I found JK Rowling’s statement thoughtful and informative. Erasing the male and female experience is not what trans rights and solidarity should be about. There should not be censorship of the two sexes. After all, if the two are not allowed to exist, how can there be good outcomes for both?

The abuse Ms Rowling has suffered from some Twitter users, who are trying to grind her into submission and in some cases wish violence upon her, contains disturbing echoes of what she has experienced in the past. If, when I start a family, I have daughters, I worry about what they may have to face.

In this country, where people feel increasingly reluctant to speak out, I salute Ms Rowling for her authenticity and bravery.

Madeleine Fitch

Attleborough, Norfolk

sir – If the actress Emma Watson so abhors JK Rowling’s views, perhaps she should hand back her earnings from the Harry Potter franchise, or donate them to a suitable charity.

Stuart Gould

Peterborough