A New York City Barnes & Noble threw Twitter into a tizzy over a snarky display for ‘Unproblematic Wizarding World’ books in an apparent slap at JK Rowling as the Harry Potter author continues to face backlash for her comments about the trans community.
Union Square’s bookstore put up the display early in November. This was in a dig at Rowling 56 who upset trans people last year when an online article used the term ‘people that menstruate’ and not ‘women.
The display at one of the few book stores left in the city features the works of Ursula Le Guin, Brandon Sanderson, Deborah Harkness and others who have written about magic and witchcraft, but are more obscure when compared to Rowling.
The Twitter storm comes as Rowling blasted three trans activists on Monday for trying to ‘intimidate’ her after they protested outside her house in Scotland before posting a picture of her address on social media.
A customer at a Barnes and Noble in Union Square, New York City, posted a pic of a display at the bookstore titled ‘The Unproblematic Wizarding Word’
It has been displayed at the NYC bookshop since November.
This display was a dig at JK Rowling who has been embroiled in controversy over comments made about the trans community in recent years.
This display promoted books other than Rowling’s Harry Potter series. It featured eight books that captured the attention of readers around the globe.
Julie Bindel (a Twitter user) lashed out at Barnes and Noble and supported Rowling. She wrote that Rowling had put the show up as a stunt since ‘the books which pay their salaries are plummeted’.
A Twitter user with the handle “life neurotic and steve’s issues” condemned Rowling’s move. He said that Rowling’s detractors would be forgotten soon, being remembered as “another bizarre episode in moral panic.”
“Centuries From Now, Rowling and Atwood Will Still Be Considered Two of Our Greatest Writers They’ll Live on In Their Works, As The World Remains Thankful for Their Contributions,” they said.
A Twitter user with the handle “The Collector” gave Barnes and Noble the benefit-of-the doubt and thought the Barnes and Noble display was a joke.
‘Hopefully, it’s just meant to be tongue-in-cheek? I’d like to believe there’s still a place for humour in this world,’ they wrote.
Twitter’s reactions to the book displayed a range of humor to outrage.
Barnes and Noble Union Square confirmed they had the display, but they couldn’t comment. All questions should be directed to the corporate office.
DailyMail.com requested comment from Barnes and Noble, which they didn’t immediately reply to.
Rowling has faced accusations of transphobia after she pushed back at the online article in June 2020. Although she later refuted the allegations in a passionate essay, Rowling continues to face criticism.
Rowling, due to her opinions is an absentee from the Harry Potter 20th anniversary celebration.
The latest chapter in this story saw three pro-trans activists pose outside Rowling’s Edinburgh residence while holding signs supporting transgender people.
It was visible clearly in the background of an image of activists. This photo was widely shared on Twitter.
Rowling took aim at Rowling and said that they were ‘doxxing her’ and tried to intimidate Rowling because she was’speaking out for women’s sex-based right’.
Holly Stars, Georgia Frost, and Richard Energy were identified by her as the protesters.
Additionally, she said that the trans row has brought her so many death threats that she was willing to ‘paper it with them.
Last Friday, three activists stood in front of JK Rowling’s Edinburgh residence.
Rowling (pictured 2019) defends herself against three trans-protestors who took pictures in front of Rowling’s home in Edinburgh
Rowling claimed that the activitists ‘doxxed’ Rowling by showing her whereabouts
England’s government condemned JK Rowling being targeted by trans activists. Officially, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson stated that he did not believe any person should be targeted like this.
“We believe everyone deserves dignity and respect, and people should be able to express their opinions as long as they are done so in a respectful manner.”
Holly Stars then posted on social media a statement saying that the photo had been removed after they were subject to abuse. Stars is an internationally renowned drag queen, with her own Amazon Prime series. Stars is also an actor, comedian, writer and host of cabarets. She’s one of the UK’s top drag performers.
The West End’s Death Drop is currently on its first UK tour. Death Drop also stars as the author and star.
Richard Energy, one the other activists is a drag queen and comedian that performs all over London. His popularity is growing and he has been a part of many contests. Georgia Frost is the third actor. She has also appeared on BBC sitcom The Other One and Casualty.
Following the controversy, all three of them have removed their Twitter accounts.
Rowling addressed the activists today with this tweet: “Last Friday was my family’s address posted on Twitter. Three activist actors took photos of themselves in front our house and carefully positioned themselves so that our address would be visible.
I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who reported the image on @TwitterSupport. My family and I were greatly helped by your kindness and goodwill. Also, I want to thank @PoliceScotland in the matter for all of their assistance and support.
‘Over the last few years I’ve watched, appalled, as women like Allison Bailey, Raquel Sanchez, Marion Miller, Rosie Duffield, Joanna Cherry, Julie Bindel, Rosa Freedman, Kathleen Stock and many, many others, including women who have no public profile but who’ve contacted me to relate their experiences, have been subject to campaigns of intimidation which range from being hounded on social media, the targeting of their employers, all the way up to doxing and direct threats of violence, including rape.
“None of these women is protected the same way as I am. The reason they and their families are in distress and fear is that they won’t accept the sociopolitical notion of gender identity replacing that of sex has been uncritically accepted by them.
I have to believe that @IAmGeorgiaFrost @hollywstars @Richard_Energy_ believed doxxing me was an intimidation for speaking out in support of women’s sexual-based rights.
“They must have thought of the fact that I’ve received death threats so often I could potentially paper the house with them. I don’t stop speaking up.” Perhaps – and I’m just throwing this out there – the best way to prove your movement isn’t a threat to women, is to stop stalking, harassing and threatening us.’
Holly Stars responded by writing: “Yesterday, we posted a photograph we took at JK Roling’s house.
“While we support the photo, we received many serious and threatening messages from transphobic people since we posted it. We have therefore decided to remove the photo. #transrightsarehumanrights. We love our trans sisters.
It was signed by Holly (G, Richard)
Joanna Cherry (SNP MP) defended Rowling today.
She wrote: ‘ #IStandWithJKRowling & like her I will never give in to the lies, harassment, threats & intimidation of those who seek to silence our voices & I will continue to speak up for the sex-based rights of women & lesbians.’