J.K. Rowling, best known for her Harry Potter series and more recently for her controversial stance on transgender issues, has found herself at the center of another social media storm, this time over a comment she made about asexuality. On April 6, the author took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the observance of International Asexuality Day, a day meant to raise awareness about asexuality—a sexual orientation in which individuals do not experience sexual attraction to others.
In her post, Rowling dismissed the day, writing, “Happy International Fake Oppression Day to everyone who wants complete strangers to know they don’t fancy a shag.” She accompanied her message with an infographic from Switchboard, a UK-based LGBTQ+ support organization. The graphic shared basic information about asexuality and is intended to help people understand the orientation, but Rowling’s tweet seemed to mock the day, its participants, and the community it aims to support.
While the infographic offered no suggestion of oppression or divisiveness, Rowling’s interpretation of it was negative, sparking widespread backlash from those in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Many pointed out that the graphic simply provided a straightforward explanation of what it means to be asexual, with no overt political or social commentary attached.
Happy International Fake Oppression Day to everyone who wants complete strangers to know they don’t fancy a shag. pic.twitter.com/xkBhbWqP5z
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 6, 2025
Rowling’s Comment Draws Quick Criticism
Rowling’s tweet quickly drew a flurry of criticism, with many accusing her of being unnecessarily cruel and dismissive of a marginalized group. Despite her controversial views on transgender issues, her decision to target asexual individuals seemed to surprise even some of her most vocal critics. As many pointed out, the asexuality awareness campaign is a space for individuals to share their identities and experiences without judgment, yet Rowling’s comment felt like another attack from the author, whose recent public persona has been defined by her vocal opposition to transgender rights.
the mold telling jk rowling it’s time to go after asexuals now for some reason pic.twitter.com/SioBIuOXCF
— Neb | 🏳️🌈 (@NebsGoodTakes) April 6, 2025
The author, who has 14.3 million followers on X, also engaged with some of the comments supporting her post, adding sarcastic and combative responses. In one exchange, Rowling appeared to question the validity of asexuality, suggesting that asexual people may not be able to determine whether they are gay or straight. This seemed to underline her lack of understanding of the asexual experience, as many who identify as asexual do, in fact, have clear romantic and sexual identities that simply do not include sexual attraction.
The response to her remarks came swiftly, with many pointing out the irony of Rowling’s lack of awareness about asexuality and its complexities. While some took issue with her mocking tone, others noted that her attack on asexuality was merely the latest in a series of targeted comments aimed at different corners of the LGBTQ+ community.
Memes and Jokes Poke Fun at Rowling’s Remarks
As expected, the internet quickly turned Rowling’s comments into a meme-worthy moment. Twitter users flooded the platform with humorous reactions to the author’s comments, using memes and satire to make light of her statement.
Jk Rowling when minorities exist pic.twitter.com/0nBWZid8Y8
— Moniza Hossain (@moniza_hossain) April 6, 2025
“Us asexuals literally just minding our business. J.K. Rowling: AND YOU KNOW WHAT F*CK Y’ALL TOO,” one user wrote, encapsulating the frustration of those who felt unnecessarily attacked by the author. Other responses included mocking images, such as one where people joked about Rowling being told by “the mold” in her house to go after asexuals next. “J.K. Rowling killing the black mold in her house (it can reproduce asexually),” one user quipped, poking fun at her latest target in a light-hearted, albeit pointed, manner.
Many comments reflected the absurdity of Rowling’s stance, with people calling out her consistent pattern of going after minorities, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community. “Anyone who’s not a cishet: [exists] JKR:” read another tweet, which highlighted the apparent inconsistency in Rowling’s selective critiques of different marginalized groups.
Ace people: I don’t like sex
JK Rowling, for some fucking reason: https://t.co/RcqbrFAdPG pic.twitter.com/X7fLow5QYz
— CrashtheEarthPony🌈🐎🔞 (@RealChadHours) April 7, 2025
Even more biting commentary pointed to Rowling’s apparent lack of comprehension when it comes to basic human relationships. One meme showed an image of Rowling as a “mould cultivator” who, ironically, didn’t understand the concept of romantic love or human connection outside of sexual attraction. “Renowned children’s author and rare mould cultivator Joan K. Rowling does not understand the concept of Romantic Love,” one user wrote, poking fun at her seeming disconnect from the complexities of human experience.
The Author’s Ongoing Controversy
J.K. Rowling has long been a polarizing figure, especially after her vocal opposition to aspects of transgender rights. Her statements on transgender issues sparked widespread condemnation from activists, fans, and the LGBTQ+ community, but it also garnered support from individuals who aligned with her views. However, her latest foray into criticizing asexuality has only added fuel to the fire, reinforcing the image of an author who seems intent on targeting various groups of marginalized individuals.
JK Rowling killing the black mold in her house (it can reproduce asexually) https://t.co/oIRJemGDiO pic.twitter.com/yUuoJYLt0k
— thebubbleplush (@TheBubblePlush) April 7, 2025
Many of those responding to Rowling’s latest comments noted the irony of her actions. In 2024, she responded to accusations of transphobia by claiming that she was an advocate for the rights of women and children. Yet, in the wake of her comments about asexuality, many have pointed out that her consistent pattern of dividing and mocking people within the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t seem aligned with any genuine desire to support marginalized groups.
Her recent post on International Asexuality Day stands as a stark reminder that Rowling’s brand of activism seems more focused on antagonizing and criticizing those who don’t conform to her worldview rather than fostering understanding or empathy.
As backlash continues to grow, the question remains whether J.K. Rowling will ever take a step back from her ongoing campaign of controversy. Despite the widespread criticism, her loyal followers continue to rally behind her, defending her right to express her opinions. However, the broader LGBTQ+ community, including both asexual and transgender advocates, continues to call her out for what they view as harmful rhetoric.
The larger cultural conversation surrounding Rowling’s views seems far from over, as each new post on her social media platforms invites more debate and more calls for accountability. Whether she will adjust her approach to these complex issues or double down on her controversial statements remains to be seen.
For now, it’s clear that Rowling’s latest comments have further alienated her from a growing segment of the public, while memes and jokes about her perceived ignorance of asexuality and LGBTQ+ issues continue to circulate online. As International Asexuality Day reminds the world of the importance of recognizing all sexual orientations, J.K. Rowling’s recent comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for visibility, respect, and understanding for marginalized communities.
