Casting a New Spell: Queer, BIPOC-Led Fan Merch as Radical Pride Magic

Trigger Warning: This article discusses transphobia, discrimination, and emotional challenges tied to J. K. Rowling’s views. Please take care while reading.

“I really appreciate you posting this article. Those books were my lifeline.”–A recent Discord comment profoundly resonated with me: a reader shared that finding Harry Potter at 22, amidst a depressive episode, was a lifeline. Despite J. K. Rowling's betrayal of that magic, Hogwarts' allure persists.

This inherent tension—embracing two conflicting truths—is central to the journey. Harry Potter continues to offer hope, belonging, identity, and enchantment. Yet, we cannot overlook its creator's weaponisation of her platform against trans and nonbinary individuals. The task ahead is to reclaim that magic without contributing to the cruelty.

Opening the Chest: What the Reader Said

That Discord comment isn’t just a testimony; it’s a reflection of the intricate emotions many fans experience. It states:

“Funny enough, I started reading the books three weeks before the 7th came out. Those books were my lifeline, and I fell in love with the Wizarding World. HP is about acceptance and fighting against injustice, yet JK Rowling has shown herself to be a vile human being. I am going to take the advice of that article and donate to pro-trans charities. Another wonderful piece of advice is to support smaller businesses on Etsy who create their own Harry Potter merch.”

The Wizarding World fandom faces a dilemma: they value the comfort and community it offered, but cannot overlook the hurt caused by Rowling’s opinions. A radical re-engagement is crucial, not an erasure, but a transformation. This means shifting focus to support queer and BIPOC-owned Etsy shops and contributing to trans causes.

The Real Magic Lies in Ethical Fandom

This is a reclamation, not just an alternative: magic belongs to the many, not the one who betrays us. Supporting small, marginalized creators is a transformative act—a spell woven from solidarity, identity, and justice. Buy from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-owned shops and donate offset money to trans charities.

Queer and BIPOC Makers Capturing A New Spell book

Here are some fan-powered shops that embody this new enchantment.

• FoxEstacado–“HP Fan for Trans Rights” Enamel Pins and Tees: This Los Angeles-based queer-owned Etsy shop makes enamel pins, keychains, stickers, and up to 5XL shirts emblazoned with “HP Fan for Trans Rights”. Proceeds directly affirm trans lives, asserting: we are fans — but we will not fund bigotry.
• Swish & Flick — Trans-Pride Wizardry Goods: Run by a queer graphic designer in Northern California, this shop offers trans-pride tees, limited-run pride enamel and acrylic pins, stickers, keychains — from the Swish & Flick Podcast. Twenty percent of proceeds go to the OnePULSE Foundation, honoring the victims of Orlando’s 2016 Pulse shooting. Beyond Wizarding goodies, her line includes home goods like a cozy trans pride throw blanket and everyday affirmations of identity.
• JacksonBird (DFTBA) — Transgender Deathly Hallows Lapel Pin: Created by trans creator Jackson Bird, this Deathly Hallows pin subverts the symbol’s triangle to echo queer protest, blending Wizarding World symbolism with fierce trans-affirming visibility.
• Abprallen (UK) — Witches and Wizards Love Trans People Pin: A UK-based LGBTQ+ maker offering enamel pins featuring affirming slogans like “Witches and Wizards Love Trans People”, directly countering Rowling’s stance with joyous defiance.
• HelloStrays & Other Queer Pin Artists: Artists like Nao Romero offer trans-flaggy fox pins and non-binary enamel cuteness — witchy side of geek heart that’s entirely fan-run.

Why These Shops Are More Than Merch

• Ethical Spending = Queer Solidarity: Each dollar spent supports marginalized creators, not a transphobic billionaire.
• Representation Matters: These designs center queer identities-tors, pronouns, pride colors–in a fandom space too often dominated by white, cis narratives.
• Giving with Impact: Many shops donate a portion of proceeds to LGBTQ+ and trans rights organizations, amplifying tangible change.

How to Shop & Re-Enchant Your Fandom

• Offset your Wizarding World-related spending.
• Shop queer and BIPOC fan creators.
• Engage Online
• Tell Your Story

Reclaiming Magic: Your Pride Spell

"Harry Potter is about acceptance and belonging. Rowling may have created this world, but we get to claim it for our own," as one Redditor aptly reminded us. Reclaiming fandom isn't about erasing the past, but honoring it by demanding betterment and centering those historically marginalized.

Magic in this world was always more than just wizardry; it was about chosen families, confronting injustice, and discovering power in unity. By supporting queer and BIPOC creators, contributing to trans causes, and challenging harmful fandom economics, you can help cast new spells with the fandom.

Closing Charm: Transforming A Legacy

For an early reader, Harry Potter offered a sense of belonging and purpose during difficult times. We can reclaim that positive aspect without compromising our values. This is the future of fandom: a radical, inclusive, queer magic, fostered through fan-led creations and generosity.

This Pride Month—and every month thereafter—let’s reclaim Hogwarts for all: support queer creators, donate thoughtfully, and allow fandom to be a place of healing and solidarity.

The truest magic lives not in a wand, but in community.