At a press conference this morning in Toronto, author J.K. Rowling was asked repeatedly about the recent revelations regarding the background information on Dumbledore and the fact that she said she felt this character was gay. Saying “I’m not kidding,” about this statement Jo made last Friday in New York, the author went on to note “I know that it was a positive thing that I said it for at least one person because one man ‘came out’ at Carnegie Hall.”
The Star (DH plot spoiler at link!) continues on to note J.K. Rowling emphasized the information was revealed because she was asked a direct question about it, and said “she didn’t feel the need to be explicit about Dumbledore’s sexual preferences because she wanted to focus on character development.
“If you were an author then you would understand that when you write the ending it comes at the end,” she said.”
Update: The entire video press conference with Jo is now online, here. Thanks Mahri!)
Jo continued on to say:
The plot is what it is,” said Rowling. “(Dumbledore) did have, as I say, this rather tragic infatuation but that was a key part of the ending of the story so there it is. Why would I put the key part of my ending of my story in Book One?”
Rowling said Tuesday she found it “freeing” to out Dumbledore, adding that the passages about him will mean different things to different readers.
“I think a child will see a friendship and I think a sensitive adult may well understand that it was an infatuation,” she said.
UPDATE: Reuters has more now from JKR, who elaborated on her decision to reveal the information about Dumbledore stating:”He is my character. He is what he is and I have the right to say what I say about him.”
Jo also said again “she might work on a Potter encyclopedia for charity, but only after a long break.”It’s like the break-up of a marriage. It’s a good idea not to see each other for a while, then maybe you can be good friends afterwards,” she said.”
Update 3: Photos of Jo from the press conference in Toronto, Ontario Canada are now up in our galleries, here.
Just what many of us expected. All the proponents for JK’s comments are brandishing their sword of justice and gratitude while those that are opposed to homosexuality in general and the main character of a children’s book specifically are branded as bigots, hate-mongers, you name it. The bottom line is the life style is not recognized as legitimate, still, in the eyes of many and that belief is usually based on two things: one, one’s own perception/belief of morality and two, it goes against all that is nature . . . it flys in the face that is all Darwinian. Does it mean that I dislike gay people? No . . . I have some friends that are. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that I accept their choice in this respect.
So what is my point? We have a right to disagree with JK on her comments and the we have the right to say that she is wrong in “making” Dumbledore gay just to push some personal political agenda or belief system. I do not attack you for supporting her; do not attack me or others for saying she is wrong . . .
I think it is GREAT that Rowling made Dumbledore Gay, and I knew this would unleash a firestorm among the disgusting homophobes in the world. I can kind of see that in Dumbledore, and it is just fine with me. And FYI, being gay is NOT unnatural, harmful or bad in any way, it is just another way for someone to be, it occurs in nature, and if millions of people are, then it is a normal alternative. I have supported gay rights, marched in parades with them, although I am not gay myself. Good for her, and I support her and Dumbledore 100%.
Wow. I have never posted before, but now feel compelled. I understand that everyone will have a strong reaction to the news (I know I did), but the outpouring of hate in the previous posts is quite disturbing. Especially the most recent comments by soldior. Learn some tolerance.
This issue makes me angry. Never mind the fact as to whether or not being gay is wrong or not. Come on guys these stories are for kids, do we really want to start teaching our children this stuff. Even if you do it should be up to the parents to teach thier children about issues such as this, it is not a strangers place to start a childs questions with such an issue. I tell you what if it was my child that heard this issue for the first time from a stranger I would be mad. Thank you for allowing me to comment
I think it is GREAT that Rowling made Dumbledore Gay, and I knew this would unleash a firestorm among the disgusting homophobes in the world. I can kind of see that in Dumbledore, and it is just fine with me. And FYI, being gay is NOT unnatural, harmful or bad in any way, it is just another way for someone to be, it occurs in nature, and if millions of people are, then it is a normal alternative. I have supported gay rights, marched in parades with them, although I am not gay myself. Good for her, and I support her and Dumbledore 100%.
This issue makes me angry. Never mind the fact as to whether or not being gay is wrong or not. Come on guys these stories are for kids, do we really want to start teaching our children this stuff. Even if you do it should be up to the parents to teach thier children about issues such as this, it is not a strangers place to start a childs questions with such an issue. I tell you what if it was my child that heard this issue for the first time from a stranger I would be mad. Thank you for allowing me to comment
This issue makes me angry. Never mind the fact as to whether or not being gay is wrong or not. Come on guys these stories are for kids, do we really want to start teaching our children this stuff. Even if you do it should be up to the parents to teach thier children about issues such as this, it is not a strangers place to start a childs questions with such an issue. I tell you what if it was my child that heard this issue for the first time from a stranger I would be mad. Thank you for allowing me to comment
We need some moderators in here now! There are too many mountain trolls lurking in here (wishing I had a big club about now to knock them over the head)
You are so brave, JKR. I knew you would never let such idiotic hysteria change what you said or let it even ruffle you.
You know what it only makes the character and plot deeper and better. You’re a great writer with great ideas and perceptions of humanity and everybody should see that!
While I’m very pleased that Ms. Rowling has elected to expound on this aspect of her character, I’d note that Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series (specifically, Magic’s Pawn, Magic’s Promise, and Magic’s Price) had an openly gay (shay’a’chern, as she dubbed gay folk) character who was the most powerful wizard on the planet, and saved the day (at great cost to himself.) These outstanding tales came out decades ahead of Harry Potter, so it’s not quite a unique notion. Maybe that means a prequel isn’t that far out of the question. If she can repeat Mercedes Lackey, why not Lucas’ prequels, too?
“Okay, let’s try this again. This week, I have been very disillusioned and disapointed, not at the outing of Dumbledore, or Rowling, but at my fellow members of the fan base, I’m embarassed by the intolerance. Consdering that the books are about overcoming Prejudice and having tolerance, some fans really failed the test this week, for shame.”
Get over the it its real life issue here millions of children are being exploited by this JGAY Rolling
I read the books watched the movie loved it hate her now hate the books hate the movie even though i don’t like to hate…
While I’m very pleased that Ms. Rowling has elected to expound on this aspect of her character, I’d note that Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series (specifically, Magic’s Pawn, Magic’s Promise, and Magic’s Price) had an openly gay (shay’a’chern, as she dubbed gay folk) character who was the most powerful wizard on the planet, and saved the day (at great cost to himself.) These outstanding tales came out decades ahead of Harry Potter, so it’s not quite a unique notion. Maybe that means a prequel isn’t that far out of the question. If she can repeat Mercedes Lackey, why not Lucas’ prequels, too?
“I think a child will see a friendship and I think a sensitive adult may well understand that it was an infatuation,”
I think this quote is correct. Actually, I am 35 and only saw it as a friendship. This outing does not bother me at all. It does not change my image of him at all. What bothered me more about Dumbledore was how he was setting Harry up to die but in the end I was ok with that too.
It is a story and these are not real people they are JKR’s imagination. If you love reading you come across every type of character in many different setting. Sometimes there character is well know and the writer lets all the details of that character out in the story but there are many stories where you are left never knowing the “real” character or are left to make up your own mind on them. I think JKR has done a great job of showing that the wizarding world is not made up of only one type of person but is full of people from all walks of life just like in the real world.
The Potter series shows how intolerant some people are towards people who are not like them (like the pure blood vs muggle born story). What is funny or maybe sad is that we as potter fans say we don’t like Draco going on about muggle borns and such but on this board there have been so many comments that would be right up Draco’s ally.
"Now -- be warned! It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizardkind! You may find yourselves facing your worst fears in this room. Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here. All I ask is that you remain calm."
I agree. It is things like this that show who the real fans are.Go Jo!!