London’s Harry Potter Oxford Street store opens to trans rights protest
A protestor waves a transgender pride flag as fans of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books and films queue to enter the franchise’s new store on Oxford Street in central London on November 4, 2026. (Photo (Getty Images)
Trans rights protesters gathered outside London’s newly opened Harry Potter Shop on Oxford Street on Wednesday (4 November), chanting “trans rights are human rights”.
A small group of protesters stood near the entrance with megaphones and placards. One sign read: “Trans kids deserve to grow up. Trans adults deserve to grow old.” Another demonstrator was seen holding a transgender flag featuring the Hufflepuff crest.
Other signs read “protect trans lives” and “trans rights are human rights”. Footage was shared on social media.
Around 10 Metropolitan Police officers were reportedly at the scene, while private security in high-visibility vests kept crowds under control.
A Harry Potter store spokesperson said: “Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street is thrilled to open our doors and welcome in hundreds of fans. We support everyone’s right to the peaceful expression of personal viewpoints and look forward to a day full of magic.”
The Oxford Street store is the largest Harry Potter shop in the UK. It spans two floors, is inspired by Diagon Alley, and includes a Butterbeer bar.
Why did people protest?
According to Deadline, one protestor, identified as West, said they wanted to raise awareness for Harry Potter author JK Rowling’s “disdain” for the trans community.
The protester also said Rowling was “personally funding transphobia from the ground up”, citing a donation she made to a UK campaign seeking to keep the legal definition of a woman tied to biological sex.
West spoke to Variety too, saying: “Considering the impact that JK Rowling has on trans rights, it would be a disappointment if trans people weren’t here to have their voices heard.
“It is largely JK Rowling making the biggest impact on people’s lives, I think, unfortunately. People don’t realise that, so that’s why we’re here today.”
The Oxford Street protest follows another incident at a gala performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in October. The child stars of the upcoming HBO reboot were also pulled from another Oxford Street event that was scheduled.
JK Rowling denies transphobia
JK Rowling has a long history of speaking about women’s rights, claiming trans people damage them. Last month, she doubled down on previous comments, saying trans activism is “elitist to its core”.
Referring to trans women as “trans-identified men”, she wrote in an essay: “Men as a group pose a risk to women and girls, as a group.” Rowling added: “Of course, all men aren’t rapists, voyeurs or flashers, but enough are to make safeguarding necessary.”
She denies being transphobic, though. Her website FAQ states: “JK Rowling is not transphobic”, adding she “clearly states trans people need and deserve protection”.
She continues: “I stand alongside the brave women and men, gay, straight and trans, who’re standing up for the freedom of speech and thought, and for the rights and safety of some of the most vulnerable in our society: young gay kids, fragile teenagers, and women who’re reliant on and wish to retain their single sex spaces.”
