I guess J. K. Rowling was doing a reading at Carnegie Hall in New York City last night, and she "outed" Dumbledore, explaining that he was in love with rival Gellert Grindelwald from the final book. Who would have thought? I mean, Dumbledore always seemed about 400 years old, so who would think to wonder about his sexuality? Very interesting. Here's the link:BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

I read about that last night, as if the Right Wing Fundies aren't upset enough as it is with the magic and witch craft theme, they will really be whigging out about them now. I can hear the sermons this weekend, how your act of reading the series is a sure and true way to hell.

In the UK, being gay is FAR less of a big deal then it is here. I'm sure its not that big a deal to her. From what I understand they already have Gay marriage in the UK.

Being gay is not a big deal to most of us either. Don't assume the entire United States falls in line with the religious fundamentalists.

LOL, believe it or not, the majority of Sunday sermons will most likely be centered around actual issues and not some light reading materials. Of course, if I am wrong and you attend church this Sunday and hear a Harry Potter sermon, I would love to see your notes!

That was a joke...
AND after growing up in a church that I believe is a cult, I no longer attend church. I got more of that then I wanted growing up.

If only Jerry Falwell was still around, his folk endulged in a little good old fashioned Nazi inspired book burning of Harry Potter books BEFORE the question of Dumbledor's sexuality came out. I imagine Jerry is spinning in his grave at the mere thought that children of the world are reading these books still, now they are ALL going to turn into homosexual witches.

Maybe Pat Robertson can take up his banner and soldier on to rid the world of any writing that differs from their own slanted outlook on the world.

I think Rowling saying this of Dumbledor is probably genius on her part because it will probably send some back to read the books again, looking for hints to support what Rowling has said.

My Witch, um daughter loves the series as do I. I remember when we were in the UK for the summer, years back, J K Rowling did a train tour, she would pull into each station, children would be gathered there to get her autograph, it was amazing.

Please can you put Spoiler in titles rather than the actual content. Some of us haven't had a chance to read it yet!

Elle, from what I understand this was not in the book but announced by Rowling herself when reading the book to some children, I believe they asked about a romantic interest for him and that was her reply. I was pointing out that NOW that its known, you might be able to read back over the books and some things that might have slipped your notice might make more sense now.

I get what you're saying. But having not read the book yet and wanting to keep all aspects a surprise, I couldn't know that the title of this thread hadn't just revealed one of the big surprises of the final book.

Sorry, Elle. Rest assured that the breaking news about Dumbledore's sexuality has nothing to do with anything in the books (I've read all seven). I'd never reveal a plot point in a thread title. But I'll keep your point in mind for the future. Would a header like this have been better?

"Dumbledore is [spoiler]!"

I guess I never really thought about Dumbledore's sexuality... (like you said, he seemed about 400 years old).

But spouses and/or love interests were never mentioned for McGonagal, Sprout, Flitwick or any of the other teachers (save Snape) - so it never really sprung out at me.

Honestly, it doesn't seem like a big deal either way.

I'm out for one day and come back to such news I don't think it should matter one way or another, but I'm sure someone will have a problem with it.

Yes

I just panicked, sorry. I really do still want to read it, life and work have just been manic.

No problem, Elle. I understand completely. Actually, I like the header modified as "Dumbledore is [spoiler]!" It adds even more suspense. Though judging from the surprising number of people who felt like responding, I guess I didn't need to drum up additional interest! As Laura said in her very funny quote above,



Who would have thought that Dumbledore's sex life was of such interest? Or that he even had a sex life???

ooohhh... never guessed it would be grindelwald! i didn't see that coming...

It doesn't matter to me either way but I'm just not sure what her motivation was for even bringing it up!

Apparently Rowling just blurted out the news that he's gay in response to a question from some kids at a reading. (They asked if he ever finds true love.) She must have had a more complete view of her characters than she could show in the books, and answered from that perspective. You know how authors like to natter on about their characters as if they are real people. Of course you can't beat a revelation like this for promotional value (not that she really needs to jump-start sales of her books)!