Humble Bundle under fire for supporting LGBTQ+ charity – by selling Harry Potter books

Humble Bundle has come under fire after choosing to raise money for a major LGBTQ+ charity by selling Harry-Potter-themed books.

The digital storefront, known for its “pay what you want” charity bundles of games, books and software, announced its “Unofficial Harry Potter Reference Library” on Saturday (19 July).

The bundle features 10 unofficial titles which feature information and trivia from the wizarding world, including guides from fan site MuggleNet.

Paying a minimum of 74p ($1) will bag customers a digital copy of The Ultimate Wizarding World Joke Book, while those paying at least £5.97 ($8) will acquire What Would Harry Do? and Where in the Wizarding World? To get all 10 books, will cost £11.19 ($15) or more.

A portion of the money will go to The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ suicide prevention charity for youngsters.

Users can choose to donate anywhere from four to 41 per cent of their payment, with the rest going to Humble Bundle and digital publisher Topix Media Lab.

So far, £639 (close to $860) has been raised. However, the scheme has faced a backlash from online users angry that, given her controversial views on trans people, JK Rowling’s work is being indirectly supported and promoted by the book selection.

According to Forbes, JK Rowling has earned an estimated $80 million since she first began posting about trans people in 2020, including profits from Harry Potter related movies, TV shows, theme parks, video games, theatre productions, and merchandise.

One user described the bundle as a “blatant f**k you to the LGBTQ+ community,” while another wrote that funding an LGBTQ+ charity “doesn’t absolve [Humble Bundle] of anything”.

A disclaimer on the bundle’s store front says The Trevor Project “was not involved in the selection of the content in this promotion,” and that the “views, opinions and ideas expressed in the books are not endorsed by, and do not reflect or represent the views and opinions of The Trevor Project”.

The digital storefront has reportedly raised more than $269 million (£200 million) for a number of charities since 2010. It chooses who to help based on five key areas: equity and opportunity, climate change and sustainability, quality education, health and well-being, and disaster and crisis relief.

The controversy comes in the lead-up to the HBO adaptation of the new Potterverse series, with the likes of Nick Frost, John Lithgow and Katherine Parkinson lined up for roles.

Several stars have come under fire for agreeing to be in the show, which features Rowling as an executive producer.

In a statement in June, Slaughterhouse Rulz and Doctor Who star Frost said his views did not “align” with Rowling’s, but she was “allowed her opinion”.

A spokesperson for The Trevor Project said: “As a suicide prevention organization serving LGBTQ+ youth – a population at significantly increased risk for suicide and negative mental health outcomes – The Trevor Project works with an array of partners, donors, and organizations to fund our critical programs. We welcome discussions with prospects interested in saving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and preventing suicide.”

“Since 2022, Humble Bundle has raised over $1 million to help The Trevor Project continue providing free, 24/7 crisis services to LGBTQ+ youth in their darkest moments. It’s an incredible milestone, and we are grateful for their commitment to preventing LGBTQ+ youth suicide.”

PinkNews has also reached out to Humble Bumble for comment.

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