"Quidditch" - Fairy Tale to Real Nerd Sport to Cancelled

quote:

---

Real-life quidditch, inspired by the magical game in "Harry Potter," is changing its name, citing author J.K. Rowling's "anti-trans positions in recent years."

---

quote:

---

US Quidditch and Major League Quidditch announced in a joint news release Wednesday that they will conduct a series of surveys over the next few months to decide on a new name for the sport, which resembles soccer and field hockey, but as a contact sport with broomsticks.

---

quote:

---

The name change is also part of an effort by the leagues to "distance themselves from the works of J.K. Rowling," according to the statement, "who has increasingly come under scrutiny for her anti-trans positions in recent years."

Rowling has faced criticism for her views on the transgender community, which some have called transphobic. She first made headlines for her views in 2019, when she publicly supported Maya Forstater, a British tax specialist who was fired over tweets that were deemed to be anti-trans.

Then, in 2020, she mocked a headline that used the phrase "people who menstruate," which trans advocates noted is meant to be inclusive of trans men and nonbinary people who still have periods.

---

quote:

---

US Quidditch and Major League Quidditch said they will be surveying stakeholders regarding the name change until the end of January.

---