Vermont-based artist Tai Ericson has turned a beloved fantasy series into a poignant protest: portraits of transgender women who were murdered, crafted from the pages of Harry Potter books.
Ericson’s project began earlier this year, responding to J.K. Rowling’s widely criticized statements on trans issues. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Trans rights are human rights,” the artist declares on their website. Each portrait is a tribute to lives lost and a statement against ongoing anti-trans rhetoric.
Remembering Lives Taken
One of Ericson’s subjects is Ra’Lasia Wright, a Black Latina trans woman of Puerto Rican descent who was shot and killed in Minneapolis in December 2024 at the age of 25. Prints of Wright’s portrait are available for purchase, with 20% of proceeds going to Advocates for Trans Equality, a New York-based nonprofit.
The Human Rights Campaign reports that at least 32 trans and gender-expansive people were killed in acts of violence in 2024, underscoring the urgency behind Ericson’s work. By repurposing Rowling’s books, the artist transforms symbols of imagination into tools of remembrance and activism.
A Wider Conversation
Rowling’s public statements on gender have sparked controversy since 2019, prompting many Harry Potter film stars to speak out in support of the trans community. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint all affirmed that “trans women are women,” distancing themselves from the author’s remarks.
Even some of the franchise’s key filmmakers have weighed in. Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, described Rowling’s views as “very sad” and “unfortunate,” emphasizing the distinction between art and the artist.
Art as Activism
Ericson’s project highlights the power of creative expression in social justice. By dismantling the pages of a cultural touchstone, the artist builds portraits that both memorialize lives lost and confront harmful narratives. Each piece is a reminder that art can be a form of resistance, and a way to honor those society has failed.
In a world where anti-trans rhetoric still looms large, Ericson’s work transforms fantasy into a statement that’s deeply real: every life matters, and every story deserves to be told.
