Bookstore Bans J.K. Rowling’s Works Amidst Controversy
Booksmith, a San Francisco bookstore run by self-identified “queer booksellers,” has decided to remove books authored by J.K. Rowling, famed for her Harry Potter series, from their shelves. This decision comes in response to Rowling’s outspoken support for a pro-women initiative that has ignited significant debate.
Rowling has taken a firm stance in the contentious transgender rights discourse, voicing her opposition to what she describes as the encroachment of men into women’s and girls’ spaces. To further her cause, she established the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund, aimed at providing legal resources and support for women advocating to maintain their sex-based rights within the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Booksmith’s owners were evidently incensed by Rowling’s recent declaration that she would be self-funding her women’s initiative, rejecting outside donations: “I looked into all options and a private fund is the most efficient, streamlined way for me to do this. Lots of people are offering to contribute, which I truly appreciate, but there are many other women’s rights organizations that could use the money, so donate away, just not to me!”
I looked into all options and a private fund is the most efficient, streamlined way for me to do this. Lots of people are offering to contribute, which I truly appreciate, but there are many other women’s rights orgs that could do with the money, so donate away, just not to me!
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 24, 2025
Booksmith’s Official Statement:
Wizards, but not That Wizard
In May of 2025, author J.K. Rowling made headlines by committing her wealth from the Harry Potter franchise to establish the “JK Rowling Women’s Fund.” This organization is dedicated to dismantling transgender rights “in the workplace, in public life, and in protected female spaces.”
In light of this announcement, we have chosen to cease the sale of her books. While we are unsure of what her fund will entail, we are certain that we do not wish to be associated with it.
As a collective of queer booksellers, we, too, were influenced during our formative years by tales of wizards and elves. If you or someone close to you is eager to explore the Harry Potter universe, we recommend seeking out used copies of the series.
Alternatively, we invite you to peruse a curated list of books we wholeheartedly endorse, which may serve as suitable substitutes for the Harry Potter experience. Our selection includes series as well as standalone novels, with books for younger readers featured first, transitioning to young adult titles midway through (starting with Wise Child).
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at orders at booksmith dot com.
Happy reading, and solidarity forever.
Information from the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund website:
About the Fund
The J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund (JKRWF) provides legal funding assistance to individuals and organizations advocating for the preservation of women’s sex-based rights in various spheres, including the workplace and public life. It empowers women with the resources and confidence needed to pursue legal action that can set precedents, influence policy changes, and improve women’s lives.What We Fund
We finance legal representation for women and organizations that:
- Have faced job loss or are undergoing tribunal proceedings due to their beliefs
- Are compelled to adhere to unreasonable inclusion policies affecting single-sex spaces and services
- Challenge legislation that compromises freedoms or protections for women
- Lack the resources to engage in court actions or defend themselves
The JKRWF does not engage legal counsel on behalf of applicants; individuals must already have sought representation and have a clear objective for their case.
How to Apply
If you meet the criteria outlined above, complete one of the eligibility checklists available—one for individuals and one for organizations. If any checklist questions are answered negatively, the Fund is not applicable for you. If you answer yes to all, you can proceed to the online application form.Subsequent to initial screening, applications undergo a thorough review by the JKRWF board. Funding decisions are made at the board’s discretion, limited to clearly defined legal actions with specified goals and timelines. It is essential to note that the JKRWF is a private fund, not a charity or trust, and does not accept donations.
On the same page announcing their ban on Harry Potter and other J.K. Rowling titles, Booksmith also promotes its participation in the “Books Not Bans” initiative aimed at distributing “queer, affirmative” literature to areas across the U.S. grappling with book bans:
Step right up, dear readers. We’re joining forces with Fabulosa Books for a campaign titled BOOKS NOT BANS. From now until the end of time, we will be accepting donations to send crates of queer, affirmative, and essential books across the nation to those in need. These books are destined for individuals living in book deserts and communities where book bans are proliferating. We needn’t elaborate on the seriousness of the situation: this initiative serves as a lifeline for those whose lives and well-being are at stake.
We are fortunate to operate in a space where we can showcase, read, discuss, and sell any books we choose. As individuals, we have fought tirelessly to carve out a life in San Francisco that affords us this freedom, and now we aim to extend a helping hand to those who require it.
To contribute, simply request to purchase any number of $10 book vouchers in-store or add them to your cart on our website. Every dollar will directly support the distribution of queer literature to those in need. For the safety of our partner organizations, the recipients of our donation crates will remain anonymous.
If you learn of our program and want to connect us with another group interested in serving as a distribution point, please reach out via email at info [at] fabulosabooks [dot] com.
With love,
The Booksmith
a little more info on BOOKS NOT BANS:
1. we run it all year long
2. you can ALWAYS participate, in store or online
3. 100% of your donation goes to the project
4. it is more important now than ever before! https://t.co/pxx7FS3m6I pic.twitter.com/0UeqpynKi7— The Booksmith (@Booksmith) December 12, 2024
