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A Southern California LGBTQ+ advocacy group is urging people to boycott a new Harry Potter-themed train attraction, arguing that ticket sales ultimately put money in the pocket of author J.K. Rowling, whose comments about transgender issues have sparked years of controversy.
The backlash comes as the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris launches “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure,” an interactive theatrical train ride that organizers say is the first attraction of its kind in the US.
Ashley Williamson, lead director of R.I.S.E. Perris Pride, told the Los Angeles Times that buying tickets to the attraction — or purchasing other Harry Potter merchandise — helps support Rowling, who has faced years of criticism over comments about transgender women and her backing of organizations that oppose certain transgender rights policies.
“What’s really terrifying is that influence. It’s already being felt in the United States,” Williamson told the Times. “There’s a trans genocide happening. It’s very serious.”
Williamson, who is nonbinary and identifies under the transgender umbrella, told the newspaper that openly LGBTQ people in Perris face hostility, saying they, their children and others in their community have experienced anti-LGBTQ harassment, including slurs and vandalism.
They said urging people not to purchase Harry Potter-related products is “the most we feel that we can do for our community.”
The boycott effort comes as Rowling remains one of the most controversial figures in entertainment because of her public statements about transgender issues.
Critics have accused the bestselling author of promoting anti-trans views through posts on X and of using her wealth to support organizations that seek to restrict transgender women’s participation in certain areas of public life. Rowling has rejected accusations that she is anti-trans, saying she supports women’s sex-based rights.
Despite the criticism surrounding Rowling, executives involved with the train attraction said the production is designed to celebrate the Harry Potter franchise and its fans.
Kathleen Wallis, vice president of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery, said that the company is focused on creating new experiences for the franchise’s longtime audience.
“We feel privileged to create these experiences for the fans who love the stories, and there’s a very deep fandom out there,” Wallis told the newspaper. “A lot of these kids, my own included, grew up with these movies and stories, and they love to experience them in new ways.”
Jarrette Ireland, vice president and general manager of Colorado-based Rail Events Inc., which operates the attraction, said the company welcomes visitors regardless of background.
“We’re really proud to welcome all guests to a great experience,” Ireland added.
The hourlong production opened this summer at the Perris museum, transforming the location into the fictional Platform 9¾. Guests board a moving train alongside actors portraying students from Hogwarts houses Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
The experience includes live performances, audience participation, singalongs, spellcasting and encounters with magical creatures. Tickets cost between about $72 and $93 per person.
During the journey, passengers help the Hogwarts students through challenges involving creatures such as hippogriffs, chocolate frogs and dementors. The storyline focuses on the characters overcoming their differences and embracing traits traditionally associated with other Hogwarts houses.
The attraction uses theatrical effects to create the illusion of traveling through the Wizarding World. Train cars were outfitted with video screens, special lighting and window coverings featuring the Hogwarts Express logo to help create magical scenes.
The production culminates with passengers joining together to cast the protective spell “Expecto Patronum” during a confrontation with a dementor.
After exiting the train, visitors enter a Hogsmeade-inspired area where they can purchase themed food, drinks and merchandise.
The attraction has already drawn thousands of visitors. According to the Times, nearly 11,000 tickets had been sold in advance as of July 23.
The Perris attraction is scheduled to run through Sept. 27. Organizers plan to announce additional stops across North America later this year, with longer-term plans to expand the experience to the United Kingdom.
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