Booksmith, a San Francisco bookstore, recently announced that it will stop selling J.K. Rowling’s books, including the “Harry Potter” series, in response to her anti-transgender advocacy. The decision was triggered by Rowling’s announcement of the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund, intended to support legal efforts to uphold “women’s sex-based rights.” This move was seen as part of a pattern where Rowling has opposed trans women’s inclusion in female spaces.
In an Instagram statement, Booksmith expressed their concerns, emphasizing that while they may carry books they don’t politically align with, this situation was different. They stated that participating in the sale of Rowling’s works would indirectly support her fund. They encouraged readers interested in “Harry Potter” to purchase used books instead.
Following the announcement, Booksmith provided a list of alternative fantasy books, sparking debates over bookstores’ roles in curating their selections based on the authors’ political views. Critics argued that the store’s decision limits access to literature, while others supported the move and expressed loyalty to the bookstore.
Rowling has faced backlash for her trans views since 2019, particularly after supporting a researcher who lost her job over anti-trans comments. Despite criticism, she has maintained her stance, claiming concern for women’s safety in spaces shared with trans women. Most studies indicate that trans-inclusive policies do not compromise safety. Rowling’s views have intensified, with her recently misgendering individuals on social media, leading to ongoing controversies and legal disputes, including a cyberbullying complaint from Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif.
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