San Francisco bookstore removes ‘Harry Potter’ series due to J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender issues.

A San Francisco bookstore has announced its decision to cease selling the “Harry Potter” series, following remarks made by author J.K. Rowling regarding her plans to financially support anti-trans organizations. This announcement comes as the Booksmith, an independent bookstore that has been a fixture in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood since 1976, cited a commitment to aligning their business practices with their values and those of their customers.

Rowling’s recent declaration about the establishment of the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund, dedicated to providing legal assistance to individuals and organizations advocating for what she describes as women’s sex-based rights, has ignited further discussions around her controversial stance on transgender issues. The British author revealed that this fund would be financed entirely by her own wealth, with a net worth estimated at approximately .2 billion, according to Forbes.

The Booksmith took to its website to inform customers about the decision to eliminate Rowling’s works from their shelves, emphasizing a desire to remain true to their principles even amid the popularity of the series. The co-owner of the Booksmith, Camden Avery, elaborated on the motivations behind this choice, expressing that the store intends to support its community and patrons through its offerings.

In their announcement, the bookstore not only discouraged the purchase of new “Harry Potter” books but also suggested that readers interested in exploring similar literary worlds consider buying used copies. Additionally, they provided a curated list of alternative fantasy literature, indicating a proactive approach to guide readers toward other authors.

This development follows Rowling’s previous contributions, including a significant donation of approximately ,000 to the anti-trans organization For Women Scotland, which challenged a 2018 Scottish law that recognizes trans women as women. The legal battle surrounding this issue reached the U.K. Supreme Court, where a ruling issued in April determined that under the nation’s 2010 Equality Act, trans women do not have the same legal status as women.

The Booksmith’s stance reflects a broader trend among booksellers and consumers who are increasingly conscious of the values represented by the literature they support. As debates over gender rights and representation in literature continue to grow, independent bookstores like the Booksmith are navigating the challenging landscape of customer expectations and ethical considerations in their business practices.

As society grapples with these complex issues, the reaction of organizations such as the Booksmith highlights the intersection of commerce, ethics, and community values in the realm of literature.