I see a lot of intersectionality play out in fan fictions, particularly ones where the media does not have any inbuilt. Harry Potter has had a cult following around the world, while its author has faced several allegations of being racist, homophobic and transphobic. As a result, the fandom which has loved the work for decades, decided to take matter into their own hands.
Not only are characters read as queer or gay, but also perceived to be different races. One of the main characters is Hermione Granger, who grew up in London and is characterised to have frizzy long hair. People decided to portray her as a Black character, as her roots and characterisation would fit this character image. Additionally, it was not specified in the books that she wasn’t, and that made it easier to see her in this light.
This fandom and queer reading has really spread. Multiple queer readings of characters in the series are seen in the top 10 of fanfics on AO3. Wide acceptance of intersectional readings spread into more canon depictions as well. When Cursed Child came out, the first Broadway production of this show even cast a black actress as Hermione.
There is a relationships fans have with such works, where a fandom pressure can bring representation to original works and how they are perceived.
Although having original representations is important, there is something to be said about reading queerness into such well known works, and then having them being made canon!
One reply on “A black Hermione”
I enjoyed your post. As someone who liked the books as a child but never engaged in the fandom, it’s interesting to learn more about it. Looking into it a little more, it seems like JK Rowling was in full support of a Black Hermione when she was cast in the Cursed Child in 2016, something that I think is interesting given Rowling’s current political activity and hateful ideologies (though it should be noted that Rowling started being vocally transphobic in 2018). Rowling loudly criticized those who disagreed with the casting and called them racist. While it does seem good that she would do that, it does not erase the racism that is very present in the Harry Potter series itself. It makes me wonder how much of that was trying to make herself look better in the face of the criticism her books had been receiving for their racist characterizations.