Nearly two dozen transgender rights supporters protested outside the opening of a new Harry Potter store on London’s Oxford Street. The multi-floor location spans more than 20,000 square feet and attracted a large crowd of shoppers.
Protesters held signs reading “Protect Trans Lives” and urging people to “stop funding trans erasure.” Their demonstration focused on author J.K. Rowling’s views and actions on transgender rights, rather than on the store’s merchandise.
In the U.K., Rowling has welcomed rulings that transgender women should not be recognized as women under the Equality Act. The ruling was enabled by the For Women Scotland campaign, which Rowling donated £70,000 to in 2024.
The debate has also followed the announced HBO Harry Potter series. A network executive said the project was not “secretly being infused with anything,” adding that people who wanted to debate Rowling could do so on Twitter. Actors joining the series have faced criticism by association; John Lithgow, who is set to play Dumbledore, considered leaving after learning more about Rowling’s stance.
Trans activist West told Variety at the store that Rowling’s influence on trans rights made it important for trans people to be present and have their voices heard. West also argued that the franchise had lost popularity, saying a protest near a Harry Potter store would have been difficult during the series’ peak.
Sources: Rolling Stone.