San Francisco Bookstore Drops Harry Potter Books Over J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Stance

A bookstore in San Francisco has decided to stop selling Harry Potter books because of J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights. The Booksmith, a well-known indie shop in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, shared this decision on its website, explaining that it no longer wants to support the author.

The owners said they made the choice after learning that Rowling is using some of her Harry Potter money to support a group called the “JK Rowling Women’s Fund.” According to The Booksmith, this organization works to “remove transgender rights in the workplace, in public life, and in protected female spaces.”

The bookstore explained that, as queer booksellers, they also grew up loving fantasy stories, including the Harry Potter series. But now, they feel it’s time to take a stand. In their words: “As a group of queer booksellers, we also had our adolescents shaped by wizards and elves. Look at us, it’s obvious. If you or someone you love wants to dive into the world of Harry Potter, we suggest doing so by buying used copies of these books.”

This isn’t the first time J.K. Rowling has faced backlash. Over the last few years, she has repeatedly made comments that many people consider anti-trans. Some of her statements have been criticized by fans, LGBTQ+ groups, and even actors from the Harry Potter films.

Recently, actor Pedro Pascal called out Rowling on social media. His reaction came after she celebrated a UK Supreme Court ruling that many saw as harmful to trans rights. Pascal wrote, “Awful disgusting SHT”* and called it “Heinous LOSER behavior.”

The ongoing debate around Rowling’s opinions has caused many fans and public figures to rethink their relationship with the Harry Potter series.

While the books remain popular around the world, some readers are now choosing other ways to enjoy the stories, like buying secondhand copies or borrowing them, so they don’t financially support the author.

The Booksmith’s move is one of the most direct actions taken by a bookstore in response to Rowling’s activism. It also shows how some small businesses are willing to make bold decisions based on their values, even if it involves a best-selling author.

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