Vancouver’s park board recently approved a motion to apologize to the 2SLGBTQ+ community for the decision to host the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience in Stanley Park in November. The motion, spearheaded by commissioner Tom Digby, involved acknowledging and disavowing author J.K. Rowling and her stance on transgender issues. In response, Rowling expressed surprise at being disavowed by Vancouver Parks and Recreations, stating that it didn’t affect her much.
During a meeting, commissioners discussed their initial decision to bring immersive Harry Potter programming to Stanley Park without fully considering Rowling’s controversial views. Rob Hadley, a member of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, highlighted that endorsing an installation related to Rowling’s work could jeopardize the rights of transgender individuals. Hadley emphasized concerns about providing a platform to someone who has consistently spread negative messages about the transgender community.
The decision to feature Rowling’s work in a publicly funded event raised worries among the community, as it could potentially support her legal battles against transgender issues. The advisory committee stressed that the event contradicted Vancouver’s values of inclusion, safety, and respect for all communities.
Ky Sargeant from Qmunity, a prominent organization serving 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in British Columbia, criticized the installation decision, calling it a regression from the city’s previous efforts to support transgender communities. Commissioners acknowledged the backlash and vowed to find ways to rectify the situation.
Commissioner Angela Haer apologized for the controversy, and Digby’s motion reaffirmed the board’s commitment to transgender lives and rights. The motion condemned Rowling’s political activities and specified that the installation in question would only run for the current season.