Trans creators on Bluesky are raising the alarm after several users were suspended for posting negative comments about J.K. Rowling — including ones that contained no threats or violent language.
The controversy began when trans writer and YouTuber Jessie Earl (aka Jessie Gender) was suspended for 24 hours after posting:
“I also wish ill on JK Rowling.”
When reinstated, Earl said they were disappointed in how Bluesky handled the situation, clarifying that their remark meant:
“I wish on JK Rowling everything that she wishes upon trans people.”
Their post had quoted fellow trans writer Gretchen Felker-Martin, who was permanently suspended after writing: “I hope someone splits her skull.” In response to the backlash, Felker-Martin told Bluesky moderators to “pull your heads out of your asses.”
Although Earl’s post did not reference violence, moderators grouped it under violations related to “threats of violence” and “incitement of self-harm,” according to Assigned Media. Earl argued that their language was “mild—especially compared to Rowling’s own rhetoric about trans people.”
Other creators, such as author Dani Finn, were also suspended for posting variations of the phrase. Finn’s post was later reinstated, with Bluesky admitting it had been wrongly removed. However, both Earl’s and Felker-Martin’s remain banned.
In a muddled response, Bluesky claimed only Felker-Martin’s post breached terms of service, but many users say the pattern is troubling. They argue that the platform disproportionately polices trans voices criticising Rowling while allowing far harsher rhetoric to stand.
“If their definition of ‘harm’ includes ‘wishing ill,’ words have lost all meaning,” Finn said. “They can censor any criticism they don’t like.”
While some queer celebrities, including WNBA star Breanna Stewart, say it should be possible to appreciate Harry Potter while still condemning Rowling’s anti-trans views, critics argue the suspensions highlight an inconsistent moderation system that chills speech from trans users.
