In the UK, the Supreme Court recently made a ruling defining a ‘woman’ as being biological, and instead of making things safer or clearer for women, the decision has raised further questions about who can and can’t access ‘women-only’ spaces and how that can possibly be ‘policed’. The court case was reportedly bankrolled (at least in part) by J.K. Rowling in her continued campaign against trans people, using money she has, of course, earned predominately through her books and subsequent franchising. Once again, therefore, the trans community and its allies have called on people to stop supporting her works so here are some great alternative reads whose author aren’t (as far as I can find out) transphobic.
The Worst Witch (1974) series by Jill Murphy pre-dates the aforementioned magical books. Perfect for younger readers, The Worst Witch is set in a witching school, following Mildred Hubble, a clumsy young witch who brings magical mayhem but ultimately often saves the day.
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven (2022) and the rest of the HMRC series which includes The Shadow Cabinet, the upcoming final novel in the trilogy, Human Rites, and the prequel Queen B are all written by trans author Juno Dawson.
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow is a fictional novel delves into the history of witchcraft, and even features a Sapphic storyline.
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a romantic fantasy novel. Witch-and-bookseller Belladonna Blackthorn is at risk of losing her magic forever when she is summoned by her coven.
Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos as a queer ‘cottagecore’ romantasy filled with chosen family dynamics, rival drama, and cozy garden magic.
The Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall is Bridgerton meets magic in this novel featuring regency and witches uniting to break an ancient curse.
Sisters of Sword and Shadow is an Arthurian fantasy novel by feminist writer Laura Bates that asks the question: What if the Knights of the Round Table had been women?
Word of the Day – Chirpse
Word of the Day – Pellucid
Word of the Day – Knismesis
Word of the Day – Gargalesis
