You’re Joining the Harry Potter Backlash Already in Progress

J. K. Rowling’s name was once synonymous with one of the most beloved franchises in history: Harry Potter. Now, though, she spends most of her time online attacking trans women (or women she suspects are trans), and she puts her money where her mouth is. Rowling donated £70,000 (~$89,000) to the anti-trans organization For Women Scotland, which lobbied to have the Scottish government change its definition of “women” to exclude trans women. When the ruling passed, Rowling tweeted, “I love it when a plan comes together,” with a photo of herself smoking a cigar on a yacht, in a move of cartoon villainy. As much as I’d love for Rowling to fade from the cultural conversation, the upcoming HBO TV adaptation of Harry Potter—and all the money it will provide her—makes it necessary to address. There are some simple ways to prioritize the safety, well-being, and rights of trans people over any lingering Harry Potter nostalgia you might have. The bare minimum is not giving Rowling your money, since she donates it to anti-trans organizations. Don’t buy the books, and don’t buy merch. Similarly, don’t watch the upcoming adaptation. In fact, cancel your HBO subscription, and let them know why. I...