Trans Rights Protesters Crash Grand Opening of U.K.’s Largest ‘Harry Potter’ Store

Trans rights protesters gathered outside the opening of the UK’s largest Harry Potter shop on London’s Oxford Street, challenging the franchise’s association with author J.K. Rowling and her anti-trans views. The demonstration brought renewed attention to the debate over how the franchise is promoted and celebrated in public spaces.

The two-storey store covers 21,000 square feet, and protesters used signs, chants and chalk messages to urge visitors to support other authors. Police were called and stationed outside; actors Tom Felton and Warwick Davis attended the opening. More than 11,000 people have signed a petition asking Mayor Sadiq Khan to cancel a Potter-themed Oxford Street Christmas display planned alongside celebrations for the forthcoming television adaptation.