037 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

“YOU’RE A WIZARD HARRY.”

On this episode of Retro Grade Podcast, we talk about the most famous wizarding world in cinematic history. We are talking about Harry Potter! Specifically, we are talking about where it all began with 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone directed by Chris Colombus, based off of the book series by the world’s first billion dollar author, and documented transphobe, JK Rowling. 

We talk about our unorthodox relationship to the film franchise and why we enjoyed them so much despite never having read the books. We talk about the inevitability of movie adaptations being different from the books they were based on due to the nature of their respective mediums, and how that can cause fans to become upset, sometimes unreasonably so. 

There’s a lot to love and talk about when it comes to Harry Potter. The amazing sets, quirky magical world, unforgettable characters, iconic performances and dialogue. We talk about Quidditch, and how it kinda makes no sense. We argue about Hermione’s intelligence. How fun and silly the ending is and well, how the movie reminds us of… other movies on HBO Max.

However, the whole point of this podcast is to look back on things with what we know now. We must acknowledge what JK Rowling has said about the trans community. What was it that she said, and how do trans people feel about it, particularly those who are/were Harry Potter fans? Is it okay to still love Harry Potter despite the harm that it’s author has caused? 

If you are unfamiliar with TERFs or “Gender Critical Feminists,” we will post some links below providing insight from transgender people themselves. We are both cis-gendered, heterosexual guys who are trying to learn more about these issues ourselves. If you don’t want to listen to us that’s fine, but please listen to them. They are the ones who are being effected by all of this.

Jessie Gender’s Breaking Down JK Rowling’s Transphobic Essay

Oakwyrm’s Looking Back at Harry Potter a Transperson’s perspective

Washington Posts’ Queer Harry Potter fans respond to J.K. Rowling's comments on transgender women

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Apple Podcast: HERE

Stitcher: HERE

Google Podcast: HERE

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