Pchan 5,162 Report post Posted October 21, 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7053982.stm Harry Potter author JK Rowling has revealed that one of her characters, Hogwarts school headmaster Albus Dumbledore, is gay. She made her revelation to a packed house in New York's Carnegie Hall on Friday, as part of her US book tour. She took audience questions and was asked if Dumbledore found "true love". "Dumbledore is gay," she said, adding he was smitten with rival Gellert Grindelwald, who he beat in a battle between good and bad wizards long ago. The audience gasped, then applauded. "I would have told you earlier if I knew it would make you so happy," she said. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," she added, saying Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down" and his love for Grindelwald was his "great tragedy". "Oh, my god," Rowling, 42, concluded with a laugh, "the fan fiction". Fan sites have long speculated on Dumbledore's sexuality as he was known for having a mysterious, troubled past. Rowling told the audience that while working on the planned sixth Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, she saw the script carried a reference to a girl who was once of interest to Dumbledore. She said she ensured director David Yates was made aware of the truth about her character. Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell welcomed the news about Dumbledore and said: "It's good that children's literature includes the reality of gay people, since we exist in every society. "But I am disappointed that she did not make Dumbledore's sexuality explicit in the Harry Potter book. Making it obvious would have sent a much more powerful message of understanding and acceptance." And a spokesman for gay rights group Stonewall added: "It's great that JK has said this. It shows that there's no limit to what gay and lesbian people can do, even being a wizard headmaster." Rowling also did a brief reading from the seventh book in her best-selling series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, as part of her Open Book Tour of the US - her first there for seven years. She said she regarded her novels as a "prolonged argument for tolerance" and urged her fans to "question authority". But she added that not everyone likes her work. Christian groups have alleged the books promote witchcraft. The author said her revelation about Dumbledore would give them one more reason. The seventh Potter book broke sales records on both sides of the Atlantic when it was published in July, selling 11 million copies in 24 hours. The fifth film adaptation of the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released this summer. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is due for release late next year. Quote I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sledgstone 8,672 Report post Posted October 21, 2007 *plans to read the books someday* hmm.. I wonder if knowing this before reading the books will give me a better insight to his character? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mathias 426 Report post Posted October 21, 2007 *plans to read the books someday* hmm.. I wonder if knowing this before reading the books will give me a better insight to his character? Not really, based on the movies. I'll be reading the books soon, but it doesn't sound like it based on the article. Just a "troubled past" and all. Quote Understand this lad, fate is a fickle lady. Work with the hand you're dealt and you may just be able to run your flag up the pole. Don't, and well, you may just find your mast cut down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gundam-Ranger-X 1,988 Report post Posted October 21, 2007 This has to be the biggest load of crap ever. Does it really matter what some children's novel character's sexual preferance is? I've never read any of the books but I think it's safe to say that it wasn't even hinted at in the slightest and that this is just some stupid attempt to get the books more publicity. My guess is J.K. Rowling is only stating this so that she can have foundation for her new series of books: "Where the Old Wizard Touched Me" Quote Life tastes like kittens. I like kittens! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mathias 426 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 This has to be the biggest load of crap ever. Does it really matter what some children's novel character's sexual preferance is? I've never read any of the books but I think it's safe to say that it wasn't even hinted at in the slightest and that this is just some stupid attempt to get the books more publicity.My guess is J.K. Rowling is only stating this so that she can have foundation for her new series of books: "Where the Old Wizard Touched Me" You probably nailed it on the head. It might also be called: "Popsicles: A Wizard's Treat". If you don't get it, watch the old man on Family Guy. Quote Understand this lad, fate is a fickle lady. Work with the hand you're dealt and you may just be able to run your flag up the pole. Don't, and well, you may just find your mast cut down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eppy 3,446 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 I think its jsut there to piss off the Christians some more Quote "That fairy needs to stop shouting in my ear, or I'm going to throw her friend I have trapped in the bottle into a lava pit or something. HEY, LISTEN! No, YOU listen. If something's important, just say so without yelling at me. Or fly over to it and change color like you usually do. Just because I'm busy mowing the lawn and hoping I'll find some spare change, doesn't mean I can't hear you." - Link Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gundam-Ranger-X 1,988 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 That could be it as well. Quote Life tastes like kittens. I like kittens! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eppy 3,446 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 yeah well i think the actual reason is that the Movie guys wanted to add in a love interest of the sort for him or something and so now he is gay cause you know how US directors are ...something i heard anyway Quote "That fairy needs to stop shouting in my ear, or I'm going to throw her friend I have trapped in the bottle into a lava pit or something. HEY, LISTEN! No, YOU listen. If something's important, just say so without yelling at me. Or fly over to it and change color like you usually do. Just because I'm busy mowing the lawn and hoping I'll find some spare change, doesn't mean I can't hear you." - Link Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeathscytheX 9,732 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 You have to wonder what the implications are as far as the movies go, and how parents will react about allowing their children going to the theater. It will be interesting indeed. Quote GET A NEW FUNK ON BEFORE YOU GET DUMPED ON! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pchan 5,162 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 Imagine all those lil kids who've always wanted to dress up like Dumbledore in Fancy Dress competitions ...... "Son, you don't wanna be dressed up as the Boy George of the Wizard world, do ya?" Quote I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ladywriter 7,783 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 ya know.... I don't really care Quote Look at the flowers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mathias 426 Report post Posted October 22, 2007 I'd rather they stick to the story, than add side notes in from interviews. Quote Understand this lad, fate is a fickle lady. Work with the hand you're dealt and you may just be able to run your flag up the pole. Don't, and well, you may just find your mast cut down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVA-01 1,796 Report post Posted October 23, 2007 I posted this in the chat three days ago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vincent 2,861 Report post Posted October 23, 2007 i personally love the fact that he's "out" although I do feel kind of suspicious that it was just an afterthought and that Dumbledore was never gay in the beginning but whatever--a new one for the team! Quote But can you save me? From the ranks of the freaks who could never love anyone... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
