Bookstores in San Francisco have decided to remove the widely loved Harry Potter series from their shelves, largely in response to J.K. Rowling’s recent actions surrounding women’s rights amidst the ongoing discussions about transgender issues.
On June 10, Booksmith, located on Haight Street, announced they would no longer stock Rowling’s work. This decision coincides with the author’s initiative to support a legal fund aimed at assisting women in preserving their rights in workplaces, public life, and safe spaces.
The bookstore made this announcement on their website and via social media, clarifying that their stance is separate from that of the authors they feature.
In a message, Booksmith explained, “In May 2025, Rowling introduced a fund that aims to enhance protections for women in various aspects of life. Given this new direction, we felt it best to stop carrying her books.” They also mentioned uncertainty regarding the specifics of this fund, stating, “We know that we won’t be part of it.”
Reflecting on their own experiences, they added, “As a community bonded by fantasy, it’s clear we’ve been influenced by wizards and elves. For those who wish to explore the Harry Potter universe, we suggest considering second-hand copies of the books.” The store has also compiled a selection of alternative fantasy reads dubbed “HP Not HP” on their website.
Though Rowling’s fund does not explicitly target transgender rights, the author has encountered significant criticism from transgender advocates for her vocal stance on the perceived threats to women’s rights posed by the transgender movement.
The bookstore’s website even encourages donations towards initiatives that promote “non-banned” literature, committing to send “strange, positive, necessary” books to communities nationwide.
Representatives from both Rowling and Booksmith have not yet responded to requests for further comments.
In recent events, personalities like George—a young musician—and actor Pedro Pascal have publicly challenged Rowling’s views on social media. Pascal, in particular, referred to Rowling as a “bully,” criticizing her perspectives on transgender issues shortly after George labeled her a “rich boring bully.” Following these remarks, Rowling issued a response that drew on George’s own legal history, while reiterating her belief in the importance of protecting female spaces.
