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Reader Comments: (Page 8)

I am so proud of JK! Another brilliant move.

Dumbledore is not the only character in a book for young readers, either. If you've read 'The Golden Compass' series, the characters are very obvious there.. (the ones with daemons of their own gender...)

I don't think it is wrong to portray mankind the way it really is in a children's book, a delightful mix of characters, colors, lifestyles, etc...

Posted by Sonja from MO on October 22, 2007 11:49 AM

Does this change Dumbledore's character in the entire series? No. Does this change how we feel about the Greatest Wizard to have ever lived? For some, maybe. Was JKR's revelation necessary? No. Is this still a fantasy book for all ages? Yes, and it be forever.

I know and admire several individuals who are smart, successful, enjoyable human beings; I couldn't give a hoot about their sexual orientation....I see Dumbledore as one of those people. JKR wanted to break down prejudices of all kinds--so, why not ity. I think the comments I've enjoyed most are from that painfully ignorant Laura Mallory who continues to try and wrap her family in a bubble against the truth. Her children sure be ready for 'what's out there', eh?!

Posted by Maynard Potter from Spokane, Washington on October 22, 2007 12:04 PM

It does not, and should not matter if Dumbledore is/was . From the first chapter Dumbledore himself states that is Harry's story, and as Dumbledore's doesn't effect Harry's relationship, between student and teacher, it doesn't need to be known. Also, I think it suited Dumbledore's secretive character, which is explored in the last book, more for there just to be the hints of this . I think perhaps it would have been better for rights, to have one of Harry's friends as a character, on a similar journey to Nevile's, from being quiet and bullied, to becoming a lot more confident. It just seems like a comparatively small victory for rights, that: a completely formed; complex character - like Dumbledore - is proclaimed as ; compared to the one that could have been won by having an openly character as a main part. And i'm sure JK could have made this idea work

Posted by luke from england on October 22, 2007 12:51 PM

Why is it important that he was ? Why do we celebrate Jo making him or him being . It is simply a matter of choice, that she made. I think to keep the interest in HP high, but a choice none the less. Him being changes nothing in the book. Positive or negative, it doesn't truely matter.

Posted by Mike from Rayne, LA on October 22, 2007 2:04 PM

This is some very interesting news, though, as much others think, very pointless to tell, but still something interesting to talk about at the dinner table.
I don't think that we could have been able to tell that he was from the books. The things he had said and the things people had said about him can mean a lot of things.

Posted by Racquel Jones from NC on October 22, 2007 2:17 PM

I'm glad to hear of a character in Hogwarts - shame we only heard of it now. As for Snape being : not essentially, he could be bi.

Posted by Andraš Yris from Bonāt Œre on October 22, 2007 2:57 PM

Dumbledore's being does not matter... except it give more ammunition to those who are potterphobic. I really hope this does NOT, however, influence the way Michael Gambon portrays him -- I'd personally rather not see a swishy Dumbledore.

Posted by Karen from Seattle on October 22, 2007 3:36 PM

JK "outed" Dumbledore in response to a question. We readers and the media are making a bigger deal out of it than she did. In no way does it add to or diminish Dumbledore's position in the Harry Potter saga. The prose is family friendly and does not pose a threat to impressionable young minds from a parental perspective. Learning about Dumbledore's after the fact may explain his earlier behavior to the adult readers, but it not relevant to young readers. Good for JK for being inclusive without judgment.

Posted by FBU from Pennsylvania on October 22, 2007 4:02 PM

To anyone who complains that Dumbledore's is making a childrens book into an adult book:

Sexuality has nothing to do with being an adult. Millions of children are .

And it may not be important that Dumbledore is , but JK can write what she wants- it's her book, the fans do not own her creations. It may not be important but is it fair that every single character in the book must be just to keep the aunce happy? There are people in the world, they are not a subdivision of people, they are people no greater or lesser than everyone else. JK can make any character she wants or bisexual and it is really no ones business. Why complain?

If you say "I'm not homophobic but I don't see why Dumbledore is ", then please rethink your opinions.

Posted by Daniel on October 22, 2007 4:07 PM

I personally do not care that Dumbledore is , although I admit that I was surprised. I had always wondered about all of the Hogwarts teachers' personal lives. Aren't any of them married?

Posted by Aspen from Los Angeles, CA on October 22, 2007 5:56 PM

I am very annoyed by everyone suggesting she said Dumbledore was to create interest. I find it doubtful she would do that, I don't think the books need (or could possibly have) a larger fan base than they already have. I agree it is irrelevant to the story. However, I am pleased to know it. It's nice to hear more about a character I (and so so many others)care about. Also, it's always nice to have something to talk about.
I also just love the idea that authors come up with these characters and give them lives and pasts and make them so real.

Posted by Kaleigh from Indiana on October 22, 2007 6:06 PM

I nearly d of heart failure when I read that bit of information about the great Dumbledore. I was very surprised. I had, from the very beginning, thought that Dumbledore had a 'thing' for Minerva McGonagall...
I'm in no way degrading ity, don't get me wrong. I just never thought Albus the type.

Posted by Andi Malfoy from London, UK on October 22, 2007 6:13 PM

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