A liberal Vancouver lawmaker choked back tears as he apologized for the city’s decision to host a Harry Potter event after it was branded ‘transphobic’ by JK Rowling critics.
Scott Jensen agreed with members of Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community who claimed it was offensive to host the magical-themed forest walk in light of Rowling’s attitude towards trans people.
He became emotional as he addressed voiced their concerns at a Park Board meeting, telling them: ‘I’ve been really moved by your words […] the lived experiences, the hurt, so on behalf of myself I do apologize.’
Vancouver was due to host Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at Stanley Park on November 7.
But an emergency motion was put forth to discuss the event during the Park Board meeting on Tuesday, following concern from within the progressive community.
Rowling has become a prominent voice in the gender critical movement and has faced backlash over the years for her comments.
Members of the city’s transgender community argued the walk would enrich the author and cause harm to trans residents.
‘We’re not interested in telling anyone what books they should read. We just don’t agree with this particular individual’s transphobic stand on a lot of other issues,’ Rob Hadley, a member of the city’s 2SLGBTQ advisory board told the board.
Vancouver City Commissioner Scott Jensen became emotional as he apologized over a ‘transphobic’ Harry Potter event due to take place in the city
Rob Hadley, a member of the city’s LGBTQIA+ advisory council, said Harry Potter author JK Rowling’s anti-trans sentiments mean it is inappropriate for the event to go ahead
JK Rowling has faced a backlash in recent years over her gender critical views
Ky Sargeant, a representative from the queer organization Qmunity, told the board: ‘I don’t know if there’s anything that can be said that will make people happy.
‘But I do know there is a lot that can be said that will make it much worse.’
City commissioner Angela Haer argued that the event was in celebration of the books and movies, not the author.
But Hadley rejected this justification and said she sold her Harry Potter books and donated the proceeds to a trans affirming charity once Rowling’s views came to life.
The advisory board requested a public apology and insisted that the city council do more research into future events.
They also sought confirmation that the event would only run for one season and requested that a portion of the proceeds be donated to pro-LGBTQIA+ causes in the city.
Their testimony left many commissioners visibly moved, thought they explained the event will go ahead as planned.
‘To me, the most important part is the apology that goes out to the community… and I think the obligation is on us at the Park Board to convince you that this apology is real and will lead to concrete actions to support your lives and rights,’ Commissioner Tom Digby said.
Members of the city’s trans community, including Ky Sargeant, addressed the commissioners
The Forbidden Forest Experience is due to be held on November 7 at Stanley Park
The Park Board made an exception to allow members of the community to address them during the meeting
Commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky responded to the speakers.
‘The pain is real. And when we as a city program these types of events, we need to acknowledge that and do better in the future to make sure the process is actually followed,’ he said.
Vancouver has embraced LGBTQIA+ affirming policies since 2016 and by many accounts is an openly affirming city, according to CTV News.
The Daily Mail reached out to the Vancouver Parks Board and the event’s organizers for comment.
