“I prefer to be called Eddie, it covers everything. I’m gender fluid ‘

British comedian Eddie Izzard, who recently asked to be identified with the pronouns “she” and “hers”, is defending author JK Rowling’s position on transgender issues.

“I don’t think JK Rowling is transphobic. I think we need to look at the things she wrote on her blog, ”said Izzard, 58, Daily Telegraph in a new interview.

“Women have gone through hell in history,” added the star in reference to the controversy surrounding the Harry Potter author comments. “Trans people are also invisible. I hate the idea that we are fighting among ourselves, but that will not be resolved with a wave of the wand. I don’t have all the answers. If people disagree with me, fine – but why are we going through hell on this? “

Rowling received significant criticism after disagreeing with an online article describing “menstruating people”.

“‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for these people. Somebody help me. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud? ”The famous author tweeted to her followers, which was received with horror by many.

In a lengthy follow-up topic on Twitter, Rowling elaborated on her feelings, which were quickly considered offensive, as transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming people can also menstruate.

“If the sex is not real, there is no attraction to the same sex. If sex is not real, the reality experienced by women around the world is erased ”, she tweeted. “I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to discuss their lives in a meaningful way. It is not hate to speak the truth. “

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In response to the transphobia allegations, Rowling stated that she has been “empathetic to trans people for decades”, adding that the idea that she “hates” trans people is nothing more than “nonsense”.

– I would march with you if you were discriminated against for being trans. At the same time, my life was shaped by being a woman. I don’t think it’s hateful to say that, ”said Rowling. “I have spent much of the past three years reading books, blogs and scientific articles by trans people, doctors and gender experts. I know exactly what the difference is. Never assume that because someone thinks differently, they have no knowledge. “

Izzard’s response to Rowling’s statements came as a surprise, particularly as the comedian openly asked to be identified with the pronouns “she” and “hers”. After a long history of wearing makeup and dresses, Izzard appeared on the Sky Arts series Portrait artist of the year last month and made its first public request to be referenced by female pronouns.

“I try to do things that I find interesting,” said Izzard during the show, reported the British Comedy Guide. “This is the first program where I ask if I can be ‘she’ and ‘she’ – this is a short period of transition. “

She added that making the ad “is great” because “people assume that … they just know me from before, but I’m fluid in gender. I just want to base myself on the feminine way from now on. “

While Izzard first came out in 1985, calling his experience “a very difficult journey”, his announcement last month was met with overwhelming support from fans and colleagues.

But when talking to the Telegraph, the “gender fluid” Izzard downplayed the pronouncement a little, saying she “did not insist.”

“This is no big deal. I’ve been gone for 35 years, ” Dressed to kill comic said.

“Your brain is coded as male or female when you are young. Mine was encoded in both directions. I have the gift of both, although it doesn’t seem like a gift at first, ”she told Telegraph. “If they call me ‘she’ and ‘she’, that’s great – or ‘he’ and ‘he’, I don’t care. I prefer to be called Eddie, that covers everything. I’m a gender fluid. “

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