Since the release of the first Harry Potter book nearly 23 years ago, fantasy readers have found succor in the wizarding world’s depiction of kindness triumphing over cruelty. For a generation raised on these stories (and films, games, toys, coloring books, drinks, theme parks, comically long scarves that look adorable on kids in pictures, and more) many have been disheartened to learn of creator J. K. Rowling’s close-mindedness, transphobia, and refusal to listen to the lived experiences of others.
Harry Potter, however, is a fictional world bigger than just one person, even if that person invented it. Indeed, The New York Times spoke with a number of heavy hitters inside Potter fandom, showing how the brew has already left the cauldron.
Renae McBrian, who helps maintain MuggleNet, put it simply, saying that while Rowling “gave us this world, [w]e created the fandom, and we created the magic and community in that fandom. That is ours to keep.”
Talia Franks, a nonbinary member of the Harry Potter Alliance fan fiction group, was far more blunt, stating “I don’t need J.K. Rowling at all.”
Others, including the creators of The Gayly Prophet Podcast, said they intend to maintain their love of the world, but in ways that don’t involve spending a dime that ends up in the British author’s purse. That means ditching the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, not buying new editions of the books for younger family members, skipping productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (when theaters re-open) and, naturally, avoiding the next Fantastic Beasts film.
Attending meet-ups, listening to podcasts, reading fan fiction, describing yourself via Hogwarts houses, and revisiting what’s already on your shelf, however, is still on the table. As Rori Porter, a trans Potter fan said, “I don’t want to give J.K. Rowling the satisfaction of taking away from me something that I loved as a kid.”
Warner Bros., who still has the third Fantastic Beasts film on the release calendar for late 2021, made a statement last week that did its best to quell backlash without condemning its tentpole-creating lodestar too harshly. It read:
The events in the last several weeks have firmed our resolve as a company to confront difficult societal issues. Warner Bros.’ position on inclusiveness is well established, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world. We deeply value the work of our storytellers who give so much of themselves in sharing their creations with us all. We recognize our responsibility to foster empathy and advocate understanding of all communities and all people, particularly those we work with and those we reach through our content.
More importantly to the fans who listen to Harry Potter podcasts and play quidditch, both Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson made full-throated statements in support of trans rights.
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