San Francisco Bookstore Ditches 'Harry Potter' Over Rowling’s Trans Views—But Her Empire Still Thrives
The Booksmith in San Francisco made headlines by pulling Harry Potter books due to J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights, but the backlash seems to have little effect on the author's billion-dollar empire.
Key Points:
The Booksmith removed all Harry Potter titles from its shelves on June 26, 2025, citing Rowling’s support for the "JK Rowling Women’s Fund."
Despite the controversy, Rowling continues to thrive with 30 million copies sold of Hogwarts Legacy and $945 million in net worth.
New Harry Potter content and merchandise are booming, including an HBO series and a new theme park land.
The Pull: A Queer Bookseller’s Stand
The wizarding world just got a Haight Ashbury hex. On June 26, 2025, The Booksmith, a popular indie bookstore in San Francisco, pulled every Harry Potter title from its shelves in protest of J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights. The store’s owners, a queer bookseller collective, cited Rowling’s use of wealth to support the alleged "JK Rowling Women’s Fund," which they claim opposes trans rights in the workplace, public life, and female spaces.
The Booksmith's statement reads as follows…
“As a group of queer booksellers, we also had our adolescents [sic.] shaped by wizards and elves. Look at us, it’s obvious. If you or someone you love wants to dive into the world of Harry Potter, we suggest doing so by buying used copies of these books.”
In their statement, The Booksmith admitted they were once fans, shaped by tales of wizards and elves, but encouraged customers to buy used copies instead. Proceeds from remaining stock are being donated to LGBTQ+ causes.
Rowling’s Trans Views: A Controversial Stance
Rowling has sparked debate since 2019 with comments defending biological sex and criticizing some aspects of trans activism. A 2020 essay on her site, a 2022 tweet targeting a trans journalist, and a 2023 interview in The Times all reaffirmed her position.
The Booksmith specifically objected to Rowling's financial support of the so-called JK Rowling Women’s Fund, though no independent confirmation of the fund or its operations was cited.
Rowling’s Resilience: Backlash With Little Bite
Despite boycotts, Rowling's empire remains intact.
Hogwarts Legacy sold over 30 million copies as of October 2024.
A new Harry Potter land opened at Universal's Epic Universe in May 2025.
An HBO series adaptation is currently in production with Rowling as executive producer.
Barnes & Noble still showcases a massive Potter display.
At a typical Barnes & Noble store, the Harry Potter franchise commands a substantial chunk of real estate, often dominating a dedicated section that can span upwards of 50 to 100 linear feet of shelving, depending on the store’s size, as observed in various locations across the U.S. in June 2025.
This space typically includes the full seven-book series in multiple editions—hardcover, paperback, and illustrated—alongside companion titles like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and the Hogwarts Library boxed set, which alone can occupy several shelves.
Merchandise further expands the footprint, with display tables showcasing wands, house crests, journals, and Funko Pop! figures, often adding 20–30 square feet of floor space. According to The New York Times, this extensive allocation reflects the franchise’s $25 billion global impact, ensuring Potter remains a visual and commercial centerpiece—even amidst controversies.
Rowling’s personal finances are equally durable. Her estimated $945 million net worth, bolstered by approximately $95 million in annual residuals from books, films, and merchandise, remains untouched by bookstore bans.
Industry Implications: A Magical Money Machine
While The Booksmith's move may encourage other indie stores to follow suit, it hasn’t impacted the broader Potter economy. The franchise is valued at $25 billion, with $7.7 billion in global box office revenue alone.
Publishers like Scholastic and Bloomsbury continue profiting, and future expansions like the HBO series will likely keep the cash flowing. Rowling's "Potter-proof purse" is holding firm.
What’s Next: A Wizarding World Unfazed?
The Booksmith's boycott is a cultural statement, but Rowling's empire marches on. Her projects are thriving, her finances secure, and the Potter brand stronger than ever. Unless major distributors take action, the Hogwarts Express isn’t slowing down.
Sources:
Deadline, “Bookstore Pulls Harry Potter Books Over J.K. Rowling’s Trans Views,” June 26, 2025
Statista, “Hogwarts Legacy global unit sales 2024,” March 28, 2025
Universal Orlando Resort, “Epic Universe Opening,” April 2025
Variety, “Harry Potter Series Ordered at HBO Max,” January 2023
The New York Times, “Harry Potter’s Enduring Appeal,” June 2025
Box Office Mojo, “Harry Potter Franchise Box Office,” June 2025 estimates
Paywizard.org, “Salary, Income, Net Worth: J.K. Rowling - 2025,” June 2025
The Times, “J.K. Rowling Net Worth,” June 2025
News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 26, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.