In San Francisco, California, two independent bookstores are making a bold statement by removing books by J.K. Rowling, the famed author of the Harry Potter series, from their shelves.
The decision comes in the wake of Rowling’s public stance on transgender issues, which has sparked significant controversy and backlash within the LGBTQ+ community.
The Decision at BookSmith and Fabulosa Books
The move to pull Rowling’s books was initiated by BookSmith on Haight Street, with the independent bookstore owners stating that this was a step beyond just not agreeing with an author’s opinions.
In a statement, Camden Avery, the co-owner of BookSmith, explained that while the store sells books by authors they don’t always agree with, Rowling’s vocal support for legislation that could harm the transgender community was different.
Avery added, “We’re one private business making a decision to align our business practice with our own values and our customers’ values.”
Following BookSmith’s lead, Fabulosa Books on Castro Street also made the decision to remove Rowling’s work from its shelves.
Marcus Ewert, the owner of Fabulosa Books and an accomplished author himself, explained that his bookstore wanted to show solidarity with the transgender community.
Ewert is known for writing 10,000 Dresses, the first children’s book featuring a transgender main character, which was widely embraced by the queer community but also faced challenges and bans in some places.
Ewert explained, “Just setting an example of there are things to resist… choices to make and actions to take. We all need more courage right now.”
The Controversy and Backlash
The decision to remove J.K. Rowling’s books has drawn mixed reactions. Some on social media have criticized the bookstores, equating the move to book banning.
However, Ewert insists that the removal is not about banning books but rather about showing solidarity and standing for the community he serves. “It’s so much better to use language to broaden people’s hearts,” Ewert said. “Broaden the world and not to condemn and vilify.”
While both BookSmith and Fabulosa Books acknowledge that they are private businesses with the right to make such decisions, they also recognize the importance of supporting their values and the values of their customers.
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For these bookstores, the act of removing Rowling’s books is a way to stand with the transgender community, especially given Rowling’s financial contributions to campaigns that many feel undermine the rights of transgender individuals.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think it’s the responsibility of bookstores to take a stand on social issues, or is this an overstep? Is it censorship or a call for accountability? Let us know your thoughts.
For more on the ongoing debate about free speech, book banning, and inclusivity, check out RidgecrestPact.org.
