H. P. Series

The packed bookstore buzzed with magical excitement. Many patrons donning a robe representing the faction they supported from the series. In one corner, a sales representative managed a trivia game, and participants of all ages gathered, hanging on every question or shouting a combination of letters matching a spell from the books. In another corner, various games enticed a much younger crowd, those unable to read the lengthy novel independently, but loved the story being told by their siblings or parents. Children experienced the stories through coloring, clay models, or other hands-on activities. From the bookstore’s cafe, enchanting refreshments offered patrons the opportunity to taste the magic from the series. From cakes to beverages, each bite cast a spell of joy over everyone.

“Attention all wizards and witches, the hour is upon us. Please form a line near the representative under your last name’s initial. Present your ID to get your copy of the latest book.” Cheers erupted all around and people flowed towards their respective line. The joy of a book launch cementing deep in everyone’s memory.

Early 2000s, the Harry Potter series brought readers together. Even reluctant readers fell in love with the books. It demonstrated how good will conquer evil in seven books. A world where everyone found their family and their place of belonging, much like Harry did upon learning he’s a wizard. It supported the idea of inclusion and diversity. The series inspired a group of UCLA students to start a sport straight from the book, which remains competitive twenty years later. Because of its strong message, Rowling has transformed the series into films, games, and more, with the Potter universe expanding. Millions, if not billions, of fans still exist today. However, many question whether they can remain loyal to a series where the creator sides more with her created villain than with her heroes.

J. K. Rowling, who self-proclaims she’s fighting for women, stood firm in her position regarding trans-rights and trans-women. She uses her social media platform to denounce every trans-woman, spread transphobia, and supported anti-trans legislation in the UK. Yes, the author of a series about a boy being ostracized for being different uses her voice to ostracize a marginalized group of people simply for being different. As Harry Potters fandom grows and merchandise flows through to consumers, Rowling remains committed to funneling her profits and proceeds to anti-trans organizations. Presently, many people are slowly losing interest in the series because of her stance. Rowling endorsed a deal with a streaming service to reignite interest in her series. Welcome to the new Harry Potter series.

A new series is coming to a certain streaming service this winter. Much like the books, each series will focus on a school year at Hogwarts and follow Harry throughout his development. The show will reignite the fandom, bringing out more from the book into the televised series. Die-hard Potter-heads look forward to restarting the seven-year journey through the whimsical, magical halls again with their beloved characters. However, many have sounded the alarm of how dangerous this will be. Rowling already stated she will use all proceeds from the streaming series to fund anti-trans organizations in the effort to erase trans-people from the UK.

This is not an issue of separating the art from the artist. We know what the artist will do with the money. We know her stance regarding trans-lives. We know she’s against the existence of a marginalized group of people who just want to live their lives in peace. A group of people who are tired of becoming the scapegoat for every societal problem. Those who watch the series need to be well aware of what the funneled streaming money supports. Watching the new series adds to the erasure of people’s lives.

Early 2000’s, I was one of many who attended the book launch parties. Enchanted by the charming world Rowling created. I still have my Slytherin robe and smile when meeting other Slytherins. Despite my love for the series, I refuse to support the franchise or watch the series. Knowing what the artist wants to do with her profits, there is no way I could ever support it. There is no new plot. It’s the same story we all read. The same characters, but played by different actors. The same plot twists and the same ending. There will be nothing new added to the series. It follows the books, bringing a visual representation to parts that the films cut. Presently, on social media, many users state the same saying, “If you watch it, you will be judged.” Of course, anyone watching the new series will be judged. We know what the money is funding. Those who claim to be an ally, this is your moment to shine. Your chance to stand side-by-side with your trans-friends and show you care about them more than you care about Rowling’s mission. Say “NO” to Harry Potter series. Instead, check out the books from your local library and reread it again, or better yet, find similar books written by marginalized authors. I recommend the Amari series by B. B. Alston.