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Indian Express
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Beyond the canon: How fanfiction became an LGBTQ+ sanctuary
What if Harry Potter fell for Draco Malfoy? What if Sherlock chose Watson over solving cases? What if Elizabeth Bennet married Darcy, but her heart always belonged to Charlotte? These are not just wishful rewrites, they're part of a sprawling literary movement. Fanfiction, long dismissed as juvenile, has become one of the most emotionally honest and radical spaces on the internet. For many LGBTQ+ readers and writers, it is not a hobby. It is survival. Written by fans using characters and worlds from existing books, films or shows, fanfiction reimagines the official versions, often centring voices left out of it. For many LGBTQ+ readers and writers, it is a radical act. A way to exist on the page when the canon never lets them in. Even Daniel Radcliffe has confessed to reading Drarry fanfics- yes, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy as star-crossed lovers. If that seems subversive, you are only scratching the surface. 'I don't think it's a good way to train to be a professional writer when you're borrowing everybody else's world and characters.' That is the take of George RR Martin, author of bestselling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, on fanfictions. One of many traditional writers who've dismissed them as unoriginal or even unethical. But fanfiction writers see it differently. For them, it is a way of expression. For decades, fanfiction has been rejected as childish, as derivative, as not real writing. But ask anyone who's cried over a 100k words slow burn between two characters who never kissed on screen, it feels more real than most things. These stories live and breathe on platforms like Wattpad, AO3, Tumblr and vast online archives where millions of users rewrite the rules of storytelling. At its core, it is a radical act. It flips authorship on its head. Instead of revering the official version, it challenges it. These questions are not just playful hypotheticals, they're creative uprisings. It gives readers the pen. Especially those readers who are traditionally excluded from mainstream narratives- LGBTQ+ writers, women, people of colour, the neurodivergent. For them, fanfiction is a way of reclamation, a way to become the main character. While mainstream literature has now expanded its LGBTQ+ offerings- Call Me By Your Name, Red, White & Royal Blue, They Both Die at the End– fanfiction was already there, years ahead, giving readers what they weren't finding in bookstores. Even as mainstream publishing treaded cautiously, offering one LGBTQ+ story for every dozen straight romances, fanfiction platforms were overflowing with these narratives in every shape and form. It wasn't about market trends or visibility, it was about survival, expression and imagining love without societal norms. Though it has had a quieter presence, fanfiction is gaining steady ground among Indian youth particularly closeted and questioning teens and twenty somethings. A growing community of desi writers imagining worlds far more inclusive than the one they live in. Even though Section 377 was struck down in 2018, LGBTQ+ in India still hides in shadows. But online, through fanfictions and forums, it can exist in usernames, in tags, in alternate endings. Even as court deny the right to marry, these stories dare to imagine queer futures not bound by law, but by love. Fanfiction in India remains personal. Often anonymous. But it's where youth are telling their truth. Unfiltered and uncensored. In heteronormative Indian media that still clings to heterosexual couples, fanfiction lets LGBTQ+ voices write their own stories. Fanfiction is about being honest, in ways mainstream spaces still struggle to allow. It is emotional. Vulnerable. Utterly sincere. And for LGBTQ+ writers and readers, that sincerity can be radical. As author of Eleanor & Park, Rainbow Rowell said, 'The whole point of fanfiction is that you get to play inside somebody else's universe. Rewrite the rules. Or bend them. The story doesn't have to end. You can stay in this world, this world you love, as long as you want, as long as you keep thinking of new stories.' Fanfiction dares to imagine what love could look like. What identity might feel like if it weren't policed. It does not ask to be taken seriously. It just asks to be felt. To some, it might seem cheesy, full of tropes and happy endings. But that's the point. And for a generation of LGBTQ+ youth raised in a world that told them they were too much or not enough, fanfiction's more than literature. It's home. (The writer is an intern with
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tom Felton supports JK Rowling by attending Harry Potter event
Tom Felton continued to show his support for JK Rowling as he attended the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10 year theater celebration in Hamburg on Thursday evening. The actor, 37, who played Draco Malfoy in the original films from 2001 until 2011, recently revealed he will be reprising his role for the Broadway show. In stark contrast to his co-stars Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint who have turned their back on Rowling due to her controversial views on trans rights, Tom has been vocal in his support for the author. And on Thursday he appeared in great spirits as he was seen posing for selfies with fans at the Theater am Großmarkt in the German city. Looking stylish for the evening Tom opted for a cream summer blazer jacket and matching trousers. He completed the look with a blue T-shirt and round shades as he smiled for snaps. Author JK Rowling has been very vocal about her views on transgender people, consistently referring to trans women as 'men'. And while Tom's co-stars have turned away from the writer, he has continued to support her, insisting he is 'grateful' for what she has done for him. Last month, he was asked if the controversy surrounding Rowling affected his work. He said: 'No, I can't say it does. I'm not really that attuned. The only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world. 'Here I am in New York. And I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. So I'm incredibly grateful.' In April, Rowling insisted she would never forgive the younger stars of the film franchise for speaking out against her views on trans rights. Responding to a tweet that asked whether the likes of Daniel and Emma would apologize to the author, 'safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them', she said: 'Not safe, I'm afraid. 'Celebs who cozied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.' Tom also previously expressed his excitement about joining the upcoming Broadway production. He told Variety: 'I think we all thought the wizarding world would slowly… that the fandom flame might douse over the years, but clearly it's not. 'I think the most exciting part is to do it live. It took nine months, more or less, to shoot a film. And this is all compact. This is all reimagined into a very lovely new, tight story. And I get to be a dad, which has been fun.' Tom will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks, concluding his run in March 2026. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based off a screenplay written by JK Rowling, takes place 19 years after the original series ended. It follows Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco's kids as they head off to Hogwarts. Harry's son Albus and Draco's son Scorpius become best friends and get up to their own adventure - and almost destroy the entire wizarding world along the way.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tom Felton continues to show his support for JK Rowling amid trans rights controversies as he attends Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10 year theatre celebration
Tom Felton continued to show his support for JK Rowling as he attended the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10 year theatre celebration in Hamburg on Thursday evening. The actor, 37, who played Draco Malfoy in the original films from 2001 until 2011, recently revealed he will be reprising his role for the Broadway show. In stark contrast to his co-stars Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint who have turned their back on Rowling due to her controversial views on trans rights, Tom has been vocal in his support for the author. And on Thursday he appeared in great spirits as he was seen posing for selfies with fans at the Theater am Großmarkt in the German city. Looking stylish for the evening Tom opted for a cream summer blazer jacket and matching trousers. He completed the look with a blue T-shirt and round shades as he smiled for snaps. Rowling has been very vocal on the subject of trans people for several years and following the Supreme Court 's judgment on April 17, the author has consistently referred to transgender women as being 'men'. However while his co-stars have turned frosty against her, more than two decades after Rowling helped give him his big break, Tom doubled down on his support for the franchise's author, insisting he is 'grateful' for what she has done for him. During his appearance at the Tony Awards last month, Tom was asked if the controversy around the writer's views on trans rights affected his work. He replied: 'No, I can't say it does. I'm not really that attuned. The only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world. 'Here I am in New York. And I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. So I'm incredibly grateful.' In April, Rowling insisted she would never forgive the younger stars of the film franchise for speaking out against her views on trans rights. Responding to a tweet that asked whether the likes of Daniel and Emma would apologise to the author, 'safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them', she said: 'Not safe, I'm afraid.' 'Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces,' the writer added. Tom also previously expressed his excitement about joining the upcoming Broadway production. He told Variety: 'I think we all thought the wizarding world would slowly… that the fandom flame might douse over the years, but clearly it's not.' 'I think the most exciting part is to do it live. It took nine months, more or less, to shoot a film. And this is all compact. This is all reimagined into a very lovely new, tight story. And I get to be a dad, which has been fun.' Tom will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks, concluding his run in March 2026. He shared the exciting news on the Today show last month stating, 'Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life. 'Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play.' Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based off a screenplay written by JK Rowling, takes place 19 years after the original series ended. It follows Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco's kids as they head off to Hogwarts. Harry's son Albus and Draco's son Scorpius become best friends and get up to their own adventure - and almost destroy the entire wizarding world along the way. 'It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes - and of course his iconic platinum blond hair - and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world,' Tom added. 'I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community.' After news of Tom's casting went viral, Rowling appeared thrilled, reposting the announcement on X with a flurry of snake and green heart emojis. Tom's interview comes just months after Rowling appeared to take a swipe at Harry Potter stars Daniel, Emma and Rupert in a March social media post shared with her 14.3million followers. She penned a biting response apparently hinting to the trio in response to the question: 'What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?' Without missing a beat, Rowling cryptically wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.' She ended her post with three laughing emojis.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Harry Potter' Actor Looks Effortlessly Cool in Stylish Wimbledon Appearance
'Harry Potter' Actor Looks Effortlessly Cool in Stylish Wimbledon Appearance originally appeared on Parade. Harry Potter star stepped out in style this week while making a fashionable appearance at Wimbledon 2025. For Day 9 of the major tennis tournament on Tuesday, July 8, Felton posed for a photo-op, where he was practically oozing with cool in an effortlessly edgy outfit. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 The former child star, now 37, made a fashion statement for the London event by wearing a pair of crisp white pants, which he complimented with a linen shirt in a very light shade of pink. But it was his accessories that really pulled the look together, as Felton also rocked a dark leather belt and a matching wristwatch, as well as a black string necklace and a pair of retro sunglasses to top it all off. His hair was styled in a simple, tousled manner, and his face was partially covered by scruffy facial hair that added to his messy yet fashionable look. Felton is widely recognized for his work on the Harry Potter films, in which he starred as the antagonistic character Draco Malfoy, opposite 's Harry Potter. Felton and Radcliffe, along with co-stars (Ron Weasley) and (Hermione Granger), were all just young child actors when they appeared in the first Harry Potter film in 2001, and they each starred in all seven of the subsequent films until 2011. Felton is now set to reprise his role as Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for a 19-week run beginning in November 2025.'Harry Potter' Actor Looks Effortlessly Cool in Stylish Wimbledon Appearance first appeared on Parade on Jul 8, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Buzz Feed
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
The boy who had no choice
The boy who had no choice Hi so Draco Malfoy,*sigh* why just why. He was forced to be the way he was and no one saw it. Everyone just saw him for his past and his mistakes never for the goodnesses in him. I love going on YouTube and finding clips of draco Malfoy and thinking to myself what if he were a real person today in 2025. From making fun of mudbloods to being forced to kill Dumbledore Tom Felton had a hard job being Malfoy but he did amazing. So guys if your scrolling through anything and see a deleted scene or a clip about draco Malfoy watch it it tells you most of his life. He's my favorite person in Harry Potter.
