JK Rowling outs Dumbledore as gay

I never thought much about Dumbledore's sexuality either. I figured it was along the lines of all the teachers at Hogwards not having marriages or families (never heard any mention of any of the professors being married and they are always around, even on Christmas).

I don't know. I don't think I ever saw Dumbledore as either homosexual or heterosexual. He always struck me as sort of like a priest (not one who molests choirboys), with no concern for something as silly as sex.

Ditto. He seemed above it all.

I love how in the article above the guy for gay rights talks about how dissapointed he was that it wasn't made more apparent in the book.

FFS, it's a childrens book.  I agree with IME, let children be children before they have to get all caught up in politics. I think the only one problem with HP is that it was so popular with adults as well as children that some adults forgot that it is actually for the children.

I think the whole thing is hilarious.  Almost as hilarious as all the people on both sides going crazy about it.  When people start freaking out about the sexuality of a fictional wizard then it's proof the world really has gone mad. 

I think the whole thing is hilarious.  Almost as hilarious as all the people on both sides going crazy about it.  When people start freaking out about the sexuality of a fictional wizard then it's proof the world really has gone mad. 

My sentiments exactly. What a hoot! -- a fictional character is fictionally gay, given the information is based on what JK Rowling said and not necessarily what she wrote in the story. I see the brouhaha approaching and I have to laugh.

If you’re worried about protecting children I’d advised confiscating every copy of every book in the Harry Potter series immediately. Dumbledore being gay is the least of your worries – multiple murders, killings, death, terrorism, abusive step parents – why subject children to these ills of the world?

If you’re worried about protecting children I’d advised confiscating every copy of every book in the Harry Potter series immediately. Dumbledore being gay is the least of your worries – multiple murders, killings, death, terrorism, abusive step parents – why subject children to these ills of the world?

Have you ever read the fairy tales of old?  They are FULL of this stuff.  Snow White, Cinderella, etc.  They were used as cautionary tales to help children learn right from wrong.  So, Harry Potter is just following the age old formula.  Even the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe has war and death.

I agree, they are cautionary tales. But I don't remember ever reading where the brothers Grimm or CS Lewis discussed their characters sexuality.

I don't remember ever reading where the brothers Grimm or CS Lewis discussed their characters sexuality. 

No, they didn't.  I was referring to the mention of multiple murders, death, abusive step-parents, etc.

No, they didn't.  I was referring to the mention of multiple murders, death, abusive step-parents, etc.

Ah, I see what you were saying. Sorry, was reading too fast. (I agree with you!)

I agree, they are cautionary tales. But I don't remember ever reading where the brothers Grimm or CS Lewis discussed their characters sexuality.

Yes that's true -- but Harry Potter doesn't either, unless of course you disregard the book's exploration of the sexual awakening of teenagers but I guess it's OK because Harry, Ron and Hermoine are straight.

It's not mentioned in the books that Dumbledore is gay and though I haven't read Deathly Hallows yet it appears that most readers weren't aware of it as well. It was J.K. Rowling's off-hand remark at a reading that caused the stir.

My point was out of all the 'issues' that are actually written about in the Harry Potter books (and other fairy tales and stories) -- some I would think very scary and threathening to children -- why focus on one fact, not explicitly mentioned in the books, and one that most children wouldn't even pick up on to have concerns about?

Yes that's true -- but Harry Potter doesn't either, unless of course you disregard the book's exploration of the sexual awakening of teenagers but I guess it's OK because Harry, Ron and Hermoine are straight.

It's not mentioned in the books that Dumbledore is gay and though I haven't read Deathly Hallows yet it appears that most readers weren't aware of it as well. It was J.K. Rowling's off-hand remark at a reading that caused the stir.

My point was out of all the 'issues' that are actually written about in the Harry Potter books (and other fairy tales and stories) -- some I would think very scary and threathening to children -- why focus on one fact, not explicitly mentioned in the books, and one that most children wouldn't even pick up on to have concerns about?

I don't think she was trying to create a stir.  When you write, there is often much more to the character than what gets put down on paper.  As a character develops, they do tend to take on a life of their own and writers will get very attached to their characters.  I am sure there are even things about Harry that the general public don't know, but, that the author does know and it influences how she writes a scene or how Harry interacts with other characters.  The same thing is true for Dumbledore.

As for the sexual awakening of teenagers, well, it isn't surprising that is part of the books.  The series started with 10 year old characters and the characters are going to age along with the kids that are reading the books.  Sexuality is part of life and something that honestly can't be avoided.

I am not sure why it is such a big deal that Rowling "outed" Dumbledore.  In the end, it doesn't matter.  It is only being focused on because it makes a good news story, really.

I am not sure why it is such a big deal that Rowling "outed" Dumbledore.  In the end, it doesn't matter.  It is only being focused on because it makes a good news story, really.

Well put, Dar.

But now I'm wondering something.  Media frenzy aside, why does it matter if Dumbledore is gay or not?  Yes, the books are geared toward kids (although I think that starting with book four one could argue differently), but what difference does that make?  If Rowling had made specific mention of it in one of the books, would it have really changed how you feel about them?

i would like to issue a hearty "...so?"

The thing is....  JK Rowling is no longer the definitive 'expert' on her characters.  Once they are out there, (no pun intended), then they are open to interpretation.  If she really wants the word to know Dumbledore is gay, then she should have put it in the book in the first place. 

And really, other than her own backstory for her own personal use, what difference does it make?  I think it goes to show you that JK Rowling thinks that just because she is a billionaire from her books that she is actually a great writer.  I think she thinks a bit too much of herself as a writer.  A marketing genius, yes.

I feel so sorry for the father in the Sun today (I only read it because it was on the table where I ate lunch) who got Dumbledore tattooed on his back for his 4 kids.  Now he can't go anywhere without being teased.   

So, how do we all feel about Gandalf?  Afterall, he was played by a queen in the movies!!! 

So, how do we all feel about Gandalf?  Afterall, he was played by a queen in the movies!!! 

 

So, how do we all feel about Gandalf?  Afterall, he was played by a queen in the movies!!! 

Funny you should mention it....