If the “Harry Potter” TV series was announced before J.K. Rowling’s transphobic views went public, the fandom response would’ve been much more positive. A multi-season TV series that gives time for storylines to develop more fully than they could in eight movies? Airing on Max, which has consistently given us high-quality programming in recent years? Sign us up!
Rowling’s views on trans people have left a considerable black cloud over the previously beloved franchise. Most recently, Rowling celebrated the U.K. Supreme Court ruling claiming that sex is based on “biological sex.” This case originated in 2018 when For Women Scotland, a so-called “feminist” group hiding behind transphobic views, filed a lawsuit arguing that the Scottish government’s definition of “woman” was too broad for including transgender women as individuals who should be protected under the nation’s Equality Act 2010. In response to the ruling, J.K. Rowling tweeted a photo of herself with a wine glass and a cigar, quite literally becoming the villain Harry Potter and his friends battled against.
However, ever since that ruling, some actions have been taken by those working on the “Harry Potter” TV series that could cast doubt on whether to boycott it. Paapa Essiedu, who was recently cast as Severus Snape in the Max series, was recently among more than 400 actors and industry professionals who signed an open letter condemning the Supreme Court ruling (Rowling, who will serve as executive producer on the planned TV series, even said she would not fire him because she does not “believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”). Additionally, Casey Bloys, the Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, clarified on an episode of the podcast “The Town with Matthew Belloni” that the new series would distance itself from Rowling’s views and it was “not being secretly infused with anything.”
With both Essiedu and Bloys seemingly defying Rowling, it may make some people wonder if it’s “safe” to watch the “Harry Potter” TV series. After all, it’s not going to actively be a transphobic show. It’s safe to enjoy as a fan, right?
Wrong. You should still refuse to watch it. And if Essiedu and Bloys actually cared about trans people, they would quit or cancel the series, respectively. Let’s talk about why you should continue to actively stay away from this series.
Remember For Women Scotland, the group that filed the lawsuit that resulted in the U.K.’s transphobic Supreme Court ruling? Well, Rowling donated more than $94,000 to their cause.
Let’s put this more simply: Rowling donated to transphobic causes with money she is getting from fans. These funds come from buying her books, video games, merchandise, tickets to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more. She is also collecting money every time someone streams a movie or TV series connected to any intellectual property she owns.
Consuming content related to Rowling is not as simple as separating the art from the artist. Two examples in recent history about this mentality come to mind.
Actor John Lithgow, who was recently cast as Albus Dumbledore in the Max series, tried to feign ignorance about why audiences were upset with his participation. In an interview with the U.K. newspaper, The Times, Lithgow spoke about portraying children’s author and antisemite Roald Dahl in the West End play, “Giant.” He said: “No one complained when I agreed to play Dahl, but I’ve received so many messages about J.K. Rowling. Isn’t that odd?” Additionally, I’ve seen some social media users wondering why folks aren’t putting the same energy into boycotting writer and accused rapist Neil Gaiman as they are with Rowling.
There are two easy ways to respond to both of these takes:
1) Roald Dahl is dead. You can’t fund his antisemitic soapbox anymore. Rowling is still alive and so is her transphobic soapbox.
2) Neil Gaiman’s projects have been effectively canceled and as of now, there’s no hope for them to see the light of day. Furthermore, if you continue to buy his content, it’s not like he’s using your money to fund organizations that advocate for violence against women. Rowling is using your money to advocate for violence against women.
Any penny you spend on something related to “Harry Potter” is actively contributing to the genocide of trans people. If you want to ethically consume anything related to Rowling, check out How to Fire J.K. Rowling, a guide to ethical engagement with Harry Potter by Hashtag Ruthless Productions. The guide — written by two queer “Harry Potter” fans — shines a light on how you can still enjoy the fandom through buying products secondhand or by supporting fan-made content, such as podcasts and merch.
Watching the “Harry Potter” TV series may seem innocent. After all, YOU may not be transphobic. But if you watch it, you are helping Rowling fund transphobic legislation and empowering leaders with her views. Remember, she donated $94,000 to transphobic causes, which was funded by her fans. Even contributing one penny to that $94,000 is too much. We shouldn’t put forth a penny more.