A Bookfluencer's Fall From Grace 😬🏳️‍⚧️

About this Video

• Video Title: A Bookfluencer's Fall From Grace 😬🏳️‍⚧️
• Channel: Book Lover Laura
• Speakers: Book Lover Laura, Janet (Lady Whistle Threads), Don Martin, Emily Wrath, Kiara Lewis, Miles to go before I read, TMD Reads, Bookward Panda, Sweet as Fiction, Bros and Pros, Lisa can't even, LM Ramirez, Tasha L. Harrison, Libra Vermo
• Duration: 43:06

Introduction

This video discusses the controversy surrounding bookstagrammer Janet (Lady Whistle Threads) and her promotion of two traditionally published books that originated as Harry Potter fanfiction. The video analyzes Janet's initial defense of the books, the subsequent backlash from the trans community, her apology, and the ensuing debate on the ethics of platforming derivative works of a transphobic author.

Key Takeaways

• Janet, a popular book influencer, promoted two books, Rose in Chains and The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy, which were originally Harry Potter fanfiction.
• The promotion sparked significant backlash from the trans community due to the books' connection to J.K. Rowling and the perception that their success contributes to her financial gain and platform.
• Janet initially defended her promotion, citing the authors' support for transgender people and the removal of Harry Potter content from the published versions. However, she later issued an apology and removed the books from her book club.
• The controversy highlighted the complexities of the fanfiction-to-traditionally-published pipeline, its implications for intellectual property, and the ethical considerations of platforming works connected to problematic authors.
• The video underscores the importance of listening to and prioritizing the voices of marginalized communities when discussing issues of harm and representation.