Vancouver Faces Backlash Over Controversial Harry Potter Event

The Vancouver Park Board’s approval of a new Harry Potter-themed attraction in Stanley Park has elicited strong reactions from the LGBTQ2 community. The event, titled Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, is scheduled to take place this winter and has sparked a debate about the association with author J.K. Rowling, whose comments on transgender rights have drawn significant criticism.

Commissioner Tom Digby expressed surprise at the backlash, stating that he was unaware of the potential reputational risks when he voted for the event. “I have learned a great deal in the last five days about the linkage of the Harry Potter franchise with J.K. Rowling,” he told Global News. “I was not aware of the reputational risk of bringing a Harry Potter-themed event to Vancouver.” Digby clarified that he speaks as an individual commissioner and not on behalf of the entire board.

Rowling has faced intense scrutiny for her views regarding transgender issues, particularly a 2020 statement where she referred to transgender hormone therapy as a “new kind of conversion therapy for young gay people.” In April 2020, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law, a decision that Rowling publicly endorsed.

Since the announcement of the event, Digby said the Park Board has received a “massive wave” of responses from various community members. Many expressed concerns, particularly from the gender-diverse and transgender communities, about Rowling’s influence. “It feels personally very attacked by actions that J.K. Rowling has taken,” Digby noted.

The financial aspects of the event have also raised questions. Digby confirmed Rowling will receive royalties from every ticket sold. Regular adult tickets are priced at $84, while children aged three to twelve pay $68. A family bundle, which includes two adults and two children, costs $376. There are options for cheaper time slots later in the evenings, as well as deluxe tickets offering priority access and exclusive merchandise.

As discussions continue, Digby emphasized the Park Board’s commitment to Vancouver’s diverse gender communities. “We’ve always been very proud of our diverse gender communities here in Vancouver,” he stated. “Maybe there are special things we can do to accommodate the issues raised by Harry Potter, but maybe we might just have to terminate the event.”

The Harry Potter attraction is set to replace the popular Bright Nights at Stanley Park, as the miniature train will not operate this holiday season. This decision has added complexity to the situation.

Ky Sargeant, vice chair of the board at QMUNITY, a local non-profit focused on improving the lives of queer, trans, and Two-Spirit individuals, expressed profound concerns about the event. “J.K. Rowling has been one of the most influential people in the world at the removal of trans rights,” Sargeant stated. “It’s difficult for the trans community to understand the motives behind bringing a Harry Potter-themed event to the city.”

Sargeant advocates for supporting local initiatives and talents, emphasizing the importance of aligning community values with events. “I think we should choose to support local organizations,” she said. “We are really going through a period globally where it’s important to look for things that are local to us.”

While acknowledging the fondness many have for the Harry Potter franchise, Sargeant highlighted the need for critical reflection. “So much of maturing and understanding is about realizing you can’t separate the art from the artist, especially when that artist is politically active in ways that go against our values,” she remarked.

As the Park Board deliberates on the future of the Harry Potter event, the discussions reflect a broader conversation about inclusivity and community values within Vancouver. With the event scheduled to launch soon, the board faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by residents and stakeholders.