JK Rowling reveals Hogwarts secret

[Remus Lupin]

I'm not bothered by it at all, but it occurs to me that all the fundamentalist fervor against the books will ratchet up again on this news. Not that it takes too much to get that going.

 

[Fast Learner]

I mean, the gay headmaster of the school taking his young male prodigy off on trips all alone...

Figured someone would say this at some point. Because, you know, homosexuality and pedophilia go hand-in-hand and all.

You might not have meant it like that, I'll grant, but it is often implied. If a presumed-hetero headmaster had gone off on a trip with Hermione, some might have suggested potential impropriety, but most would have thought "he's an old grandfatherly, trustworthy, ethical man, get your mind out of the gutter." The same doesn't apply when it comes to homosexuality, unfortunately. Very disappointing, when it does come up.

 

[Vocenoctum]

Figured someone would say this at some point. Because, you know, homosexuality and pedophilia go hand-in-hand and all.

You might not have meant it like that, I'll grant, but it is often implied. If a presumed-hetero headmaster had gone off on a trip with Hermione, some might have suggested potential impropriety, but most would have thought "he's an old grandfatherly, trustworthy, ethical man, get your mind out of the gutter." The same doesn't apply when it comes to homosexuality, unfortunately. Very disappointing, when it does come up.

Actually, it IS the same as if Hermoine had gone off with him, the same issues would be raised.

Any anger you have with your mad smiley is due to the assumptions you make.

My statement was simply that had the matter remained in the book, the issue would have been raised, and so it may have been left out to avoid the issue.

And, seriously, if someone said Dumbledore was "trustworthy, ethical man", I'd know they hadn't read the same books as I did. I should think Homosexuals should be protesting such a horrible person being labeled "gay" at all.

 

[frankthedm]

If a presumed-hetero headmaster had gone off on a trip with Hermione, some might have suggested potential impropriety, but most would have thought "he's an old grandfatherly, trustworthy, ethical man, get your mind out of the gutter."

I say most folks think the first regardless of orientation of the man. Same reason why most folks chose babysitters of the female gender regardless of the child's gender. Men do not get trusted around the gender they are, or might be, attracted to.

 

[Fast Learner]

Actually, it IS the same as if Hermoine had gone off with him, the same issues would be raised.

Any anger you have with your mad smiley is due to the assumptions you make.

Like I said, I'm not saying that you personally meant it that way, but there is a huge prejudice that exists, and it's frustrating (though I was going for more of a "disgust" smiley, which unfortunately doesn't exist). I see it all the time when folks come out of the closet.

 

[Mark]

This only works though if he is somehow meaningfully gay within the work.

I rather agree. If you can read the work, and never realize it, then he isn't an exemplar of what gay people can be.

To the contrary, he is an exemplar of what a gay person can be as an instructor, mentor, and wizard. That he happens to be gay only means that he is not an exemplar of what a heterosexual person can be as an instructor, mentor, and wizard. He need not be overtly gay to give evidence of his excellence in his profession or care of his charges. Would a heterosexual person need to be overtly heterosexual to prove his worth as a heterosexual in his profession? I think not.

 

[DonTadow]

To the contrary, he is an exemplar of what a gay person can be as an instructor, mentor, and wizard. That he happens to be gay only means that he is not an exemplar of what a heterosexual person can be as an instructor, mentor, and wizard. He need not be overtly gay to give evidence of his excellence in his profession or care of his charges. Would a heterosexual person need to be overtly heterosexual to prove his worth as a heterosexual in his profession? I think not.

Still it has no place in a children's book. Those types of adult issues should be left for adults to discuss with their children. Not for an author to sneak into her books. I can't imagine that she'll make another children's book after this and its really difficult for parents to tell theri children why.

 

[GoodKingJayIII]

Still it has no place in a children's book. Those types of adult issues should be left for adults to discuss with their children. Not for an author to sneak into her books. I can't imagine that she'll make another children's book after this and its really difficult for parents to tell theri children why.

Someone asked her a question at an event and she answered. I wouldn't exactly call that sneaking into the book.

Granted, I would need to reread the books but, with the possible exception of his letter(s) to Grindewald, I can't think of any expressions of Dumbledore's sexuality, overt or otherwise.

I am disappointed that she brought it up, but for different reasons.

 

[WayneLigon]

Still it has no place in a children's book. Those types of adult issues should be left for adults to discuss with their children. Not for an author to sneak into her books. I can't imagine that she'll make another children's book after this and its really difficult for parents to tell theri children why.

Well, it's not explicitly (or even implicitly) in the book, now is it? Still, it's best placed in a young adult book.

 

[Merkuri]

Still, it's best placed in a young adult book.

It was in a young adult book. The only books that might even have had a hint of his sexuality were the last two, and they were written for 16-17 year old's. The books are aimed for Harry's own age group. They get more mature as Harry grows up.