Non-paywalled link: https://archive.is/zJ03A#selection-2149.0-2149.546
The fact that Rowling allows herself to make divisive remarks that could jeopardize a shoot beginning in London in a few days speaks to her confidence as a writer, and to the shifting climate since Donald Trump, an outspoken opponent of trans rights, came to power in the United States. On the other side, the guilt-tripping has already begun, with the refrain: “Watching the series is funding transphobia.” But it is not certain that this approach will work, since, as we know, consumer society is always hungry and digests everything just fine.
At least in the UK, in my experience, most nonreligious people are indifferent to trans people. Like, they have no problem respecting you and being educated, but they had no reason to learn about them or care specifically.