JK Rowling has been backed by an actor in the Harry Potter franchise, after years facing criticism from the film series' cast.
The author has faced an onslaught of abuse and criticism for expressing her concerns that the extension of some trans rights are putting women at risk.
Since Rowling first made her views known, Harry Potter actors such as Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have all sought to distance themselves.
Many cast members have been accused of refusing to appear at events alongside the franchise's creator over her views.
Evanna Lynch said she was speaking from personal experience
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But now, actor Evanna Lynch, who played the character Luna Lovegood in the film series has urged those who disagree with Rowling to listen to her views.
Lynch suffered with anorexia when she was growing up and said that her support for Rowling came despite "understanding" that it is like for someone to feel uncomfortable in their own body.
She said: "I didn’t even know there were two sides.
"I had a view of, like, good and bad. I do have compassion for both sides of the argument.
"I know what it was like to be a teenager who hated my body so much I wanted to crawl out of my skin.
"So I have great compassion for trans people and I don’t want to add to their pain."
Speaking to The Telegraph, she added: "I do also think it’s important that JK Rowling has been amplifying the voices of de-transitioners.
"I had this impulse to go, ‘Let’s all just stop talking about it’, and I think probably I’m a bit braver now about having uncomfortable conversations."
JK Rowling said she is not afraid to speak her mind
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She continued "I just felt that her character has always been to advocate for the most vulnerable members of society.
"The problem is that there’s a disagreement over who’s the most vulnerable. I do wish people would just give her more grace and listen to her."
Last month Rowling said that she "never meant to upset anyone" with her views on trans rights.
However she vowed to continue speaking out on issues she cares about, even if it makes her unpopular with Harry Potter fans.
"I do not walk around my house thinking about my legacy," she said.
"What a pompous way to live your life, walking around thinking, what will my legacy be? Whatever, I'll be dead. I care about now. I care about the living."