I'm really disappointed to be honest...why does everything these days have to be socially inclusive? It was something that didn't need to be said and for me has tained the magical nature of the books...

Jacqueline Forster, Greenock, UK

Is this a joke? Nothing against gay people, but the books are meant for children. Why bring sexuality into it at all?

James, Sunderland,

How dreadfully tasteless and tacky. Dumbledore's sexuality was never relevant, and the fact that he "loved" another man does not compel him to be homosexual.

How sad.

Les, Lavendon,

djfilmer what a rediculous comment, would you use the same logic to label an adult male teacher in a predominately teenage girl school? Or does it not matter because he is straight?

A, Rayner, Huddersfield, W. Yorkshire

Awesome.

Scotch Jackett, Seattle, USA

I have just finished reading it:Rowling didn't disappoint.I think it is the best of her books after HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF THE FIRE.It is a book with a wonderful plot that upravels gradually.
It wasn't the ending I wanted but neverthless ı am happy to read it
I am going to miiss harry potter and the other characters....

CEREN, afyon, turkey

The stories are told from the children's point of view. Like many people, I had gay teachers but didn't realise they were gay until I grew up. I hadn't guessed Dumbledore was gay either but I hadn't assumed he was straight either. Quite a few characters (Snape, for instance) didn't reveal their sexuality until book 7. Others never revealed their sexuality - it doesn't mean we should assume they are meant to be asexual. It sounds perfectly reasonable that J.K. Rowling, like most authors, knows more about her characters than she puts in her books.

Kathleen Bell, Nottingham, England

Oh dear oh dear oh dear. What a fuss about nothing. Dumbledore's sexuality would have to be one thing or another, why shouldn't he be gay? To pronounce himself openly gay within the story would not be plausible and neither would it serve the plot. It's simply a part of his character, and it's an interesting revelation because it sheds light on his character. J K Rowling just didn't make an issue out of it. Why do other people have to?

Phil, Verona, Italy

If Dumbeldore is gay, then you have to have concerns about the amount of time he spent alone with a pre/post-pubescent schoolboy. Highly inappropriate in my view, and if the Ministry had got hold of this earlier, then he would have been sacked by book 3. What a load of twaddle - Rowling just trying to gain extra publicity and pandering to pc-nonsense

djfilmer, Lytham,

The only reason JK Rowling said anything at all was to get her books more publicity, as the excitement is dying down. Gay or straight, political leaning etc. can hardly make any difference to the story - will it be read dramatically differently? As was previously stated, many would not have bought these books if he was openly gay, thus Rowling targets the widest market. Then she 'reveals' that he is gay, generating more publicity. I for one am sick of hearing about Potter and his magical friends. Maybe Ginny will be revealed as a BNP member, or Hagrid as a Scientologist? Allowing these ridiculous stories to gain momentum in the press just allows her to keep her ridiculous books floating along on a sea of hot air

NoPotterFan, London,

Just a publicity stunt, as if she needed more. IF he was gay why was it not made clear in the stories before.? I expect she is hopeful a lot of homosexuals will now rush to buy her book and make her even richer. She already has more money than the GNP of some third world countries.

At the beginning she said she was not going to let the books be exploited by merchandising and spin offs. That did not last long once she got the green light of money in her eye.
I used to respect her rags to riches story, though I was not interested in the stories, but this has no place in children's literature. Once again the homosexual agenda is being shoved down our throats.

billcarr, turku, finland

I can't really see what difference it makes to the story so why mention it at all - unless it was just a bit of fun on JKR's part to stir up a bit of controversy? Which has worked!!

George, Glasgow, UK

I have no real issue either way. If Dumbledore is gay or not. What I do have an issue with is the fact that Rowlings has totally forgotten why she started writing these books. As a childrens series. Does it matter, or make a difference if he is gay or not to the story line?? No. The first 2 books were geared to a young elementary audience care, nope, they will just think he is a cool character. If it does not need to be said that he is straight, why does it need to be said that he isn't?? It saddens me that she got so far from where she started!!

Sarah, Great Barrington, Mass.

Did anyone ask Dumbledore if he wanted to be outed? So what if he is gay? That fact that people are writing about it means that they have issues with it. Children will be ok about it, will the adults?

Michael Turner, London, UK

In my opinion, Rowling's decision to "out" Dumbledore is absolutely ridiculous and completely unnecessary. I have nothing against homosexuals, but Dumbledore is a character who should have no sexuality attached to him; this makes him too human and far less magical. Furthermore, Rowling wants us, and Harry, to hold Dumbledore in a special light throughout the books, as if he had always been an old man. This revelation simply takes this away, and subsequently ruins the character somewhat for me.

Rob House, Salisbury, UK

To everyone who keeps referring to the Potter series as "Childrens Books', you obviously haven't read them. The books haven't been aimed at children since book two. Young adult fiction might be more appropriate.

Why would a respected headmaster, especially in a (stuffy?)British boarding school need to express any overtly gay tendencies. The answer is that he wouldn't. Dumbledore as written by JK could go either way. (Pardon the pun)

It's a wonderful relevation for older children to see that not everyone who happens to be homosexual is flamboyant and over the top like so many gays that we see in the media. They are usually regular people just like every one else, and it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things whether or not you prefer the opposite sex or not.

Younger children will never pick up on any of the subtle clues. It's up to the parent to reaveal Dumbledore's homosexuality or not.

Dawn , Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

I never had no idea that Dumbledore was gay, however it makes a lot of sense now that I think about it. He's still one of my favourite characters gay or not.

monie , b'ham,

It is about time that a character who was gay didn't need to be identified first as gay. He is a great character, happens to be gay. This is why we still have hatred and racism, because we identify people as different first and then by character.

Don Quixote, Sacramento, California

Writers, as master chess players, tend to 'play to a 'depth'. One must wonder what exactly is at 'bottom' as a goal for this this particular 'piece' in Ms. Rawlings over-all gambit and game.

Elisha Moor

Elsiha Moor, London, England

I didn't even have the slightest idea or inkling Dumbledore was gay!?!!

How could anyone possibly guessed that? I don't understand. It wasn't apparent to me in any way shape or form through the films or in the books.

Wow. That's really cool though. My mum's gay and is actually living with her partner and people sometimes ask me what it's like which i find a rather strange question. I don't live with them I live with my fiance but I don't find it odd or different at all.....

Carly, bangor, north wales, wales

Its great that you all care so much about your children's innocence. However when you were children, pretty much all of you, you were merciless with my innocence once you discovered what the word gay meant. You have no idea what torture your children are put through if they are gay or even if they are suspected of it. Try and cast your mind back and remember how you behaved towards those children. In my experience you behaved despicably and I will forever hold it against ALL straight people.

PSF, London, UK

Well, J.K. has created even more publicity for her Harry Potter books....a shrewd business move if ever there was one ....just listen to the buzzzz all over the world.....not only is she a good writer but a smart business woman! Well Done!! One wonders if the question was a "plant"...just wondering....

C. MacKinnon, Toronto, Canada

Funny how JK Rowling chose not to out Dumbledore as gay until after all seven books were written and the production of all films is practically inevitable (barring WW3).
She says her books are an argument for tolerance. Absolute tripe. She deliberately waited until the books were at the climax of their popularity (and money-making potential) before outing old Albus as gay, and then merely I'm sure as a way of pandering to the PC brigade after she didn't have the bottle to include any kind of implication or explicit comment in her books.
I can't help but feel Rowling knew she was on a roll with the Harry Potter series and chose (if she is telling the truth that she had inlcuded Dumbledore with his homosexuality in mind all along) not to risk upset to maximise the success of her work.
And as for Tatchell being disappointed that it wasn't made more explicit - why should anyone, gay or straight, go around trumpetting their sexuality? It's personal. I for one don't want to know.

Joseph, Kent, UK

I'm quite amazed that people are suprised that JKR has a vast array of back story on having developed a huge world. Take a look at just about any huge fantasy series. Midikemia, Middle Earth or Pern are just examples of entire alternative realities that have been developed by authors for their characters to live in and to have adventures in. Authors put alot of effort into the backgrounds and only a fraction is utilised in the stories.

That dumbledore is gay, does it massively affect the story? no. Does it fit with the character as we've seen him developed? yes. Was it simply a question asked by an interested fan which she chose to answer? yes.

Gay activists trying to make more of this than it is need to get off their podiums. People wittering on about the additional detail being not needed should read the Silmarillion for an idea of why rich back story really can add to a fantasy novel.

Richard, Birmingham, UK

A thought occurred to me but I suspect it may be slightly controversial. The purpose of attraction between different sexes is obvious. I personally see Homosexuality as a naturally occurring thing but don’t really see that it serves any purpose. As such homosexuality could be considered a dysfunction or dead end adaption. It occurs, I have no problem with it, but having a choice wld there be any real reason to have it? I have a friend who is a non practicing homosexual. He is married to a woman & wants children. It is a choice he has made. If I could offer him a pill that would make him straight, then he’d take it because in life it is easier to be straight than gay for many reasons. In a world where it’s possible to brew fame, bottle glory, & even put a stopper in death surely the greatest wizard the world has ever seen could have straightened himself out with a spell! Slightly tongue in cheek but am interested to hear peoples views on benefits of homosexuality if there was a choice.

Jackboy, London,

Why is it that people that gain the media spotlight feel themselves qualified to inject their judgment of what's OK? They are generally less rather than more qualified than the average man on the street to be arbiters of public morals and values. Money generally seems to make them susceptible to the dreaded "PC" disease and they use their moments of glory to try to ram it down our throats from their public forums. Her outing does NOTHING for the story nor provide any positive effect on young readers and viewers but may increase her income from the free publicity. Whatever the good headmaster's orientation, it could and should have been left unvoiced.

Robert, St. Joseph, Michigan

I do not see the relevance of Dumbledore's sexuality whether gay or straight, however I as an anti-gay individual would not have gotten into the series if I knew from the start he was gay. JK Rowling has only out this twist in the series to create a new series of him struggling with his sexuality in his younger years. Has she ever thought about the moral impact on children/ Our society is too accepting of everything authors, the movie industry and people of no moral character and we glorify them. Do you see us hetrosexuals making an issue that Haryy if not gay? Probably JK is setting up Harry to become bi-sexual and fall in love with Dumbledore!

John Jacobs, Kingstown, St.Vincent & The Grenadines

There is nothing wrong with this revelation, it is great for all the reasons already mentioned in previous comments. It does play a part in the story in fact and it is relevant. Dumbledore's early years have been explored, this fact just clarifies a lot. So there will most likely not be a "Dumbledore: The Early Years". If you want to comment on how an author behaves and what they say, it might be a good idea to read the things the author has created first, before making comments like some of the ones in this list.

René, Venlo, The Netherlands

I think it was a great idea to 'out' Dumbledore', hopefully if society can eradicate homophobia at an early age, then we can in turn eradicate the discrimination and hate crimes that the LGBT community face.

carla, glasgow, scotland

What does it matter? I love these book, they are the most amazing books in detail, making the mid bild wonderful images. I have shared these books with my kids too.
My eldest son is gay and I hate it when people as me how that makes me feel??!!!!! I dont undrstand that question.
J.K Rowling did the world a whole load of good, in getting people to read for the first time in their lives with Harry Potter. She deserves every penny she can get.
But this is silly, because it should never, ever matter what someones sexuality is.
And anyway, I guess I guessed when she first described his clothes and boots, sounded like my sons boots!!!

kat, Powys, wales

A good idea to make a main character in Harry Potter gay. Such acts only help to promote the acceptance of gays and hopefully people with other fringe preferences in society. With media only now 'allowed' to accept that people are different it is right that authors and other artists use any means they can to educate or inform the public that it's OK to be what you really are. It is simply the promotion of a more contented population.

gerald jones, Oslo,

There was no intention to mention it. it has no relevence to the story as written, it would not have been brought to light unless the movie studio had tried to inset a love interest that went against the character! which probably would have made a mokery of the seventh book.
so really not all that important, as all such issues should be. whereas we have a lot of excessive reaction and counterreaction. an individuals sexuality is of importance to them, no one should dictate it to them.

Ben, folkestone, uk

it had never really occured to me the sexuallity of either one of the characters of Harry Potter and at this point considering the general controversy regarding to sexuality do not appreciate this type of publicity due to the fact that it stirs it all up again and then exposes the younger children to having to choose sexuality.
then again, even if Rowling did decide to broadcast this issue as it were, i belive she should have given the readers a lot of hints if it was meant to be a surprise than make it seam more an after thought a little something to spice it up.
i personally would never come to think of Dumbledore as gay because it would lead to an open door for too many other possibilities which would lead to lossing sight of what the main story was all about and the main morals i think were relevant to the children.

Ema, london , london

NEWS FLASH!

Allllllllllllllllllll the charactors in those books were gay!

Dr. Merkwurdigliebe, Chicago, U. S.

Well of course she waited until AFTER all her books were published and purchased. How many ultra-conservative people (esp. in America) would have refused to buy these books for their kids? Millions, I would say. It is disappointing to me in that I just don't see the necessity in revealing this detail when it played almost no part in the plot.

Carmen, Nashville, USA

Leave Dumbeldore alone!

Chris Cocker, USA,

Someone needs to explain why this revelation is so important. This is a fictional character. Unless you have to reach into fiction and fantasy to find justification for your own life, it simply does not matter what side of a door a character lives in.

Michael, Carlsbad, CA

I don't think it was necessary for J K Rowling to "out" Dumbledore. If gays want to be accepted as regular people they should stop trumpeting their homosexuality. Whether they are gay or not if of no consequence, just as their religious or political leanings are of no consequence. It's just nobody's business but their own. Personally, I will never think of Dumbledore as gay, whatever J K Rowling, or noisy acitivist Peter Tatchell say.

David Holmes, Duncan, BC Canada

So, JKR has invented a fictional homosexual!!
OK, let us play fair here. To square the circle, surely there has to be a fictional lesbian - does there not?
Or is it just the male of the species who has all the limelight?

Jo, Lincoln, UK

I really don't see the significance to the book, to me it does not matter or is important to the story or character. It is sometimes nice to know what the writer has left out or the back-story, but people who say he should of been a defined gay character need to read the book, it would have no importance to the plot. What difference would it have made if you knew he was gay ? None ! She never said he was Straight, so it had no significance what so ever.

TG, Chichester,

Mmmmmm. I suspect we can brace ourselves for "Dumbledore: The Early Years", a tale of a young wizard struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. The inevitable prequel on the big screen might struggle to get a rating to suit the younger Potter fan.

Paul, London,

I wish that J. K. Rowling had built a Dumbledore clearly gay, living as a gay, with a lover or a husband, enjoying an open and very happy relationship. But I'm sure that J. K. Rowling would had found many problems with her publisher.

Does anyone imagine a best seller book for children with a gay character living without any problem or drama?

Ignacio, Madrid, Spain

All authors write a lot more back-story than they use. it's necessary if you want the world to seem lived-in. All sorts of unimportant details in the series are buzzing around in Ms Rowling's head. To her, they're part of the story. To the readers, they're news. I expect she blurted it simply because it's obvious to her. There was no intentional "outing". She just knew the story better than you all did.

Julian Morrison, Reading, Berkshire

I will never get tired of learning new things about the characters. If in 10 years JK has something new to say about any of the characters in her world, then I'd be all ears. In the meantime, if you picked up on it - great. But if this is news to you, then imagine how many other things you've missed. What difference does it really make? The character's qualities have not changed, but hopefully a few minds will.

As the children who read these books get older and re-read them, maybe they'd be able to appreciate that a great person, real or fictional, gay or straight, black or white, is still a great person.

Nick, New Orleans, LA, USA

When i first read this i was a little disappointed. I think children lose their innocence a little too early nowadays. The potter books are first and foremost childrens books and as such i'm not sure they should be dealing with sexuality. But i guess J K Rowling is reaching out to children and trying to say it's ok to be gay etc. It's a noble concept but i find the idea that it has to be done so young a little regretful, but i guess that is a sign of the times and depends what age children are reading potter from. For teenage children i think it's a good idea, for younger children i'm not so sure. Children dont really have much of a childhood these days

Jackboy, London,

I just don't see the point in outing Dumbledore... his sexuality was never part of the story, as opposed to, say, Harry's or Snape's. This is akin to suddenly coming out and saying that Ron secretly suffered from diabetes, or that his Mum went to communist rallies in her youth!

lucie, London,

What planet are people living on? This is a fictional character in a fantasy book. If anyone (gay or otherwise) draws anything from this other than a PR stunt by Rowling they should probably appear in the eighth Potter book...oops did I let something out of the closet there?

Daniel Adams, Sydney, Australia

Good heavens, why does Dumbledore have to have any sexual orientation? This is children's fiction - not Peyton Place!! Is JK just trying to be politically correct? Kids get too much sex in their media, give them a break and let them be children.

Mary Knight, Pittsburgh, USA

Who gives a damn ! For goodness sake, why do we all have to judge people on their sexuality ?

Let's face it, if you went to get your car repaired, would you give a hoot as to whether the mechanic was gay or not ? of course you wouldn't.

Come on grow up, we are in the 21st Century.

My sexuality ? Well, that's my business isn't it !!

Marcus, Singapore, Singapore

My initial belief that this was a hoax was overtaken by rueful recognition that the Unforgivable Disclosure irretrievably unmagicked this most magic of stories. Love potions and first kisses are fine - but this is just Too Much Information...

My daughter's pronouncement on Ms Rowling's revelation? In a voice that assumed only the daft didn't know...

"Witches and wizards don't DO sex."

My thoughts exactly.

HPK, Thatcham, Berkshire

I would not be surprised to find that this revelation has something to do with a future book about Dumbledore. Otherwise, it would have been unimportant to change the story-line in the script.

Scarlett, Houston, Texas

It's amusing how many people are suddenly so defensive now that Dumbledore has been "outed". Having a homosexual character in books as JKR has done does not make children become gay, we already know that homosexuality is probably something influenced by a combo of genetics and hormones. All it does is give people the right idea - that someone who's gay can be a hero, and that they are as deserving of respect and love as the next person.

I can see the Catholic Church and a slew of other repressively conservative and dogmatic organizations having a field day with this. Too bad they've got how much influence in comparison to Rowling? Oh right... nil.

VM, Ewing, NJ

Rofl ok im completely pro gay etc but its ridiculous that they are complaining about this at all!!!
"disappointed Rowling had waited so long to reveal a homosexual character."
“It is great that JK Rowling wants to make her books inclusive of gay people,”
WHAT THE HELL , its HER story it can contain whatever and whoever she wants. Jesus christ i dont find a book based in a Jewish community or somthing and complain theres not enough black Africans or somthing ridiculous like that. Its not mandatory to have every minority, mindset and sexuality represented in a book!!! Thats the most stupid thing to complain about ever. Yes its a nice little part of the story that Dumbledore is a homosexual, but a gay character in every book shouldnt be compulsory! Books shouldnt propagate discrimination but thats it! write what you want! This is almost as bad as the complaints that there are no Americans in the books.

Kit, Norwich, Norfolk

Dear Adam, even though your very first words are "I don't have any problem with gay people". It is clear that you do - and very much so. If it doesn't matter to you, why get all hot and bothered about the authoress giving a bit more (much appreciated) insight into one of her characters? Remember, Rowling created them. The characters belong to her. And your little sexist rant at the end adds a classy touch. What do you think this best-selling writer has been doing for the last few years?

Jing, Singapore,

Jeanine in Cincinnati....I highly doubt Abra needs you to apologize on his/her behalf. We are all entitled to our opinions and your opinion is no more right or wrong than the opinion of anyone else.

mike, columbia, sc

It is my understanding that far from there being "nothing that would suggest that Dumbledore is gay in the book", according to JKR it is the reason he errs in judgement with regard to the character who will become his nemesis. *(Thus explaining why the otherwise sage Dumbledore has a weakness).

As for the comment that "I don't think 'gayness' should be advertised in a huge-selling book". All I can say is, fortunately, Adam from Budapest, your views count for nothing.

Tom , Birmingham, UK

With my great apologies for my fellow Cincinnatian, I think the revelation was wonderful. Since it is nice to see yet another facet of a beloved character.

But as a children's book series I don't think it is something that required an explicit build up as some groups think. Most everything in the book is done from Harry's point of view and Dumbledore kept them all in the dark about every aspect of his life....it isn't a surprise he wouldn't mention a sexual preference either. Nor terribly important for much of the series.

In the end it adds nice color, but doesn't make the conclusion more or less. And it does give gay children a character now that they can look at as wise, and heroic, and respected and say...that could be everything I could be. Something I would hope parents were already telling their children.

Jeanine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Things are plain out of control anymore. I give up!

Abra, Cincinnati,

I don't have any problem with gay people (Sir Ian McKellen is gay for instance and I like him as an actor) but I don't think 'gayness' should be advertised in a huge-selling book. Furthermore, there is nothing that would suggest that Dumbledore is gay in the book, so if you'd like, you can imagine he's a heterosexual, for it's only Rowling's another excellent inventions to the story, which is whole without all these rubbish Rowling adds. She should do some knitting or go to work if she's so bored...

Adam, Budapest, Hungary

Of course some people will always want a gay character to stay in the background and not announce himself or herself. In the end, the more we stay silent, the less society can give us due credit for our contributions. There are so many gay teachers contributing to our schools, so why shouldn't a major educator in a fictional book be gay? Thank you JK Rowling!

Otto, Singapore, Singapore

Children,As we are dealing with a fictional character here,it would have been just as easy to out Dumbledore as a pedophile or a mass murderer.Let's not lose sight of reality here.

ron, toronto,

Actually Ms. Rowling handled the whole Dumbledore situation with considerable grace and foresight. The storyline in the books, which are for children, doesn't necessitate any overtly gay references. Children can read the stories with Dumbledore as a wise and caring figure who they trust and care for as a kind and loving character. His sexuality is irrelevant to the immediate story. When a child becomes old enough to understand sexuality then Dumbledore being gay simply states that gay people can be heroes too. Dumbledore's homosexuality isn't exactly an afterthought (Ms. Rowling eliminated a reference to an old female flame) it's simply an added more depth to an already engaging character.
When I was growing up I would always look for innuendos or positive role models (thank God For Mary Renault). If one gay child can find solace and inspiration in what has to be considered the most influential set of childrens literature in our generation then J. K. Rowling deserves all praise.

Bernie, Milton, Delaware

There was no need to out him in the books. The subtle messages are what make the books unique and memorable. Why bring to light something in the books that gives no emphasis to the story just to make a group of people feel like they got their say. Adding those types of side steps to the story loses the focus. Just because you are gay doesn't mean it needs to be broadcast and as such Dumbledore had no need to broadcast his sexualtiy, especially in a series that relied on the intutition of its readers.

Shay, San Diego, CA