David Tennant Shares His Take On JK Rowling As He Discusses His Allyship To Trans Community

David Tennant has made another vocal display of support for the transgender community, while sharing his take on JK Rowling’s views on issues relating to the trans community.

The former Doctor Who star is one of the subjects of the new interview series The Assembly, in which a celebrity guest faces a grilling from an audience of people with autism, learning disabilities or other neurodivergences.

As part of his interview, David was asked about what inspired him to become an outspoken ally for transgender and gender non-conforming people.

He responded: “When I was a teenager, there was this thing that Mrs Thatcher’s government introduced called Section 28, which was about stopping the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools, which was a weird umbrella term which was basically saying it was illegal to talk about being gay in school or to suggest that that might be a normal way of behaving.

“We look back on that now as a medieval, absurd thing to try and say. And I think the way the trans community is being demonised and othered is exactly the same. It’s become this kind of political football.”

Asked about Rowling – who has become a polarising figure due to her own commentary on trans issues in recent years – David described her as a “wonderful author who’s created brilliant stories”, to whom he wishes “no ill will”.

He was quick to add: “But I hope that we can all as a society, just let people be. Just get out of people’s way.”

David has advocated for transgender and gender non-conforming people numerous in recent history.

Last year, Rowling made a dig at the Rivals actor on X, commenting that her “thoughts and prayers are with David Tennant at this very difficult time” after Kemi Badenoch was appointed leader of the Conservative party.

Prior to that, David had made headlines when accepting an award for his allyship at the British LGBT Awards, saying in his speech that he wished Badenoch would “shut up” on the subject of trans issues.

Badenoch has previously been criticised for own stance on issues relating to the trans community, and in 2021, was heard misgendering trans women in a leaked audio recording.

David Tennant’s episode of The Assembly is now available to view on ITVX.

Help and support: 

• The Gender Trust supports anyone affected by gender identity | 01527 894 838
• Mermaids offers information, support, friendship and shared experiences for young people with gender identity issues | 0208 1234819
• LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT people in Scotland. Text 07786 202 370
• Gires provides information for trans people, their families and professionals who care for them | 01372 801554
• Depend provides support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK