Trans Rights Activists Protest Outside ‘Harry Potter’ Store Opening in London

J.K. Rowling’s controversial gender identity views continue to follow her and her brand wherever they go.

Store Opening Met With Protest

“Harry Potter” fans waiting to get into the new flagship store on Oxford street in London got a little more than just a chance to buy their favorite merchandise from the franchise. Transgender rights demonstrators gathered outside of the new store as folks waited in line to protest Rowling’s stance on the transgender community.

About 16 protestors were outside carrying various signs like, “Trans rights now” and “Stop funding trans erasure,” making it pretty obvious why they were there. The demonstrators were there to not only spread continued awareness on how Rowling’s anti-trans statements affect people, but to also urge fans to reconsider giving any further support. The line was apparently so long it filled a nearby alley and people waiting largely ignored the protest.

“Considering the impact that J.K Rowling has on trans rights, it would be a disappointment if trans people weren’t here to have their voices heard,” one trans activist told Variety in an interview. “It is largely J.K Rowling making the biggest impact on people’s lives, I think, unfortunately. People don’t realize that, so that’s why we’re here today.”

The activist also made a comment about how the franchise’s popularity has been waning over the years (which is likely why its got a reboot coming to reignite interests) and protestors would’ve never gotten this close a decade ago. The new store is a behemoth, a 21,000-square-foot retail space spanning two floors filled with everything a Potter fan could dream of. Time will tell if the franchise’s waning popularity will affect the store’s sales at all.

Rowling’s Legacy Marred With Bigotry

Rowling has been very outspoken over the years about her stance on transgender individuals, and in particular, trans women. She has donated money and heavily campaigned against transgender equality. This has had obvious and direct impact on her own brand, the “Harry Potter” franchise, which is heading into its reboot era with a new series on HBO, coming Christmas Day 2026.

There has not been a single conversation about “Harry Potter” lately that has not come with an asterisk next to it, pointing to Rowling’s vehement anti-trans rhetoric. Backlash has been growing against the series and could potentially affect viewing numbers. The “Harry Potter” franchise has been printing money for Warner Bros. for so long, and like the new store, we’ll have to wait and see if the Rowling backlash will affect this new era.

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