The VSTA opposes the Vancouver Park Board’s decision
In support of our 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues and students, the VSTA Executive Committee at its September meeting carried the following motion:
Whereas the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee oppose the Parks Board Harry Potter event, that COPE and One City oppose the Parks Board Harry Potter event, that JK Rowling publicly shares anti-trans rhetoric, and that JK Rowling receives funding from the Harry Potter events and JK Rowling has historically used her funding to support anti-trans legislation, we move that the VSTA put out a statement by September 19th, 2025 that we oppose the Parks Board Harry Potter event.
VSTA joins VEAES in calling on the Park Board to:
- Cancel or reframe the event so that it does not center the Harry Potter franchise.
- Consult with trans students and advocacy organizations to develop programming that affirms and celebrates all identities.
- Commit to ongoing training and education for staff to better understand the lived realities of trans and non-binary community members.
For coverage of this issue, please see:
