I was annoyed by fans who thought they were more entitled to the worldbuilding than Rowling was. Regardless of how much of a shit worldbuilder she is, Harry Potter is still her creation. While you have the right to create fan fictions, they are not parts of the canon and will never be!
Nowadays, while my annoyance is still there, my view has changed a bit.
First of all, I don’t thin Harry Potter is among the most progressive works ever. It has some problematic elements like how Hermione’s elves-right activism being depicted as annoying, how she is the not-like-the-other-girls trope and, of course, Dumbledore’s queerbaiting.
But, despite said problems, tolerance and equality are among Harry Potter’s main themes. They are so effectively conveyed that many young readers are inspired to be more progressive* and many LGBT fans –including trans ones- feel genuinely accepted while immersing themselves in the fictional universe.
But, do you know who does not accept trans people? J.K. Rowling.
Say anything you want. But, once you reject the moral messages in your own works, they no longer represent your morality.
She has the right to continue her shit worldbuilding. But, she does not have the right to complain when people start using her works – from which she has morally distanced herself – to rail against her.
Don’t want to be condemned as a hypocrite? Well, it’s easy: don’t be a fucking hypocrite!
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*I am not one of those who think works of art and entertainment can single-handedly change our minds. Our surroundings are as important in shaping our selves, if not more.
But, they can certainly be inspirational and empowering to their fans. Depending on the works, they can also compel people to contemplate about the world they live in.
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The Stammering Dunce 