The whole aim is to silence people through intimidation. But let me say from experience, the fallout isn't half as bad as you're probably imagining.

Rowling is an extreme case because she's such a visible target. But also, sadly, because she's a woman and the fringes of this movement are incredibly misogynistic. So I do understand your concern.

But the more people who speak up, even in small ways the harder it is for the activists to pretend that everybody is on board. And also, their arguments fall apart so quickly in the face of reasonable challenges that they can't twist into accusations of hatred.

It might interest you to take a look at a few of the conversations in the comments here. There's nothing too nasty, but the arguments themselves are interesting.