Separating the Books from the Author: My Role as Joanne in Cheat Day

Abstract

In Cheat Day, Hale Fishman exposes his audience to difficult situations and problematic themes. The play revolves around Jacob's journey in becoming more comfortable with himself, ironically catalyzed by Joanne's TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists) ideologies. By having the main protagonist overcome transphobia, the play, instead of giving a platform to TERFs, encourages the audience to stand with the trans community and respect the laws that protect them. Although I had never particularly looked up to her, I did look up to the characters she created in the Harry Potter novels, and my childhood was shaped by the world she created. When J.K. Rowling expressed transphobic views, I was not only disappointed, I was also conflicted. Still being a fan of the Harry Potter series, I was unsure how to express my adoration for the story while rescinding my support for the author who created it. Cheat Day's antagonist, Joanne, based on J.K. Rowling and her openly transphobic views, allowed me to come to terms with this contradiction. By playing Joanne and channeling Rowling's world view, I was able to undermine, for myself, her beliefs and platform on social media.