Trans-owned UK bookstore encourages patrons to deface Harry Potter books to protest JK Rowling

A bookstore in the United Kingdom is allowing customers to vandalize a copy of a Harry Potter book as a form of protest against author JK Rowling.

The Bookish Type, a trans-owned bookstore, is charging visitors 25 pence to write or draw in the book. According to the store, the proceeds will go toward supporting so-called gender-affirming healthcare costs for local transgender-identifying individuals.

In a statement to PinkNews, the store said that it came up with the idea weeks ago and thought it was “a silly and cathartic way to raise money for five local trans people.”

“It was originally going to only be on our second hand Sunday event that we run every few months where we sell second hand books and give all the money towards local trans people’s healthcare costs, but we did it a week early and people love it!” the statement continued.

The bookstore said that the defaced book will eventually be auctioned off as a “trans community art piece,” with additional funds raised through online donations. Online donors can also request to have the store personally deface a page of the book with specific messages.

The event comes amid renewed attention on Rowling following the release of a trailer for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. Rowling, who despite having expressed left-leaning political views, has faced ongoing criticism from transgender activists over her positions on transgender ideology, including her opposition to biological men in women’s spaces.

Rowling is an executive producer on the new Harry Potter series and recently stated on social media that she is “so happy” with its development.