To the Artistic Team and Board at Shea's,

As members of the Buffalo community and supporters of theatre and other events at Shea’s, we're writing this as people who genuinely value what you represent here. We see you not just as a venue, but as a cultural anchor in Buffalo. We pay attention to what you choose to elevate and celebrate, and who feels welcome in those spaces.

After seeing shows with gender expansive representation like & Juliet at Shea’s, we were excited to support a company that believed in these stories and communities. That's why we were honestly shocked and appalled to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child included in the upcoming season lineup. Bringing in a show created by a billionaire who has expressed intent to harm those communities with her proceeds feels hypocritical.

We're sure you're aware of the ongoing and very public harm caused by J.K. Rowling's rhetoric toward the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals. This isn't abstract. It has had a real impact on people who are already navigating a world that can feel unsafe or dismissive of who they are.

No matter how much we loved the magic of that world, the damage she's done isn't something we can ignore or look past.

What makes this especially difficult is that supporting this production is not neutral. It directly benefits Rowling financially. Every ticket sold contributes to the continued success of a franchise tied to someone whose actions and statements have caused real harm to the trans and LGBTQ+ community.

Choosing to include this production, knowing that context, feels like a dismissal of those concerns. You are sending a message, whether intended or not, that the comfort and inclusion of trans and LGBTQ+ community members is secondary to the draw of a well-known franchise and the money it generates. It's important that you recognize that for many of us, that creates a line we can't comfortably cross.

This is coming from a place of disappointment. We want to continue supporting Shea's, attending shows, and encouraging others to do the same. But right now, that feels complicated in a way it didn't before. We won't be attending with our loved ones and will encourage everyone we know to reconsider future performances as long as this remains on your schedule. At a time when the arts are so important, it's disheartening to realize a pillar of this community has made such a poor choice.

We hope you'll take time to consider what it means to program something like this in today's climate, and what message it sends to members of your audience who deserve to feel seen and supported in your space.

We also want to be transparent about our intentions moving forward. We intend to hold a peaceful demonstration after the performances, at which we will be distributing educational materials regarding the real and immediate harm J.K. Rowling is doing to the queer community.

We would genuinely appreciate hearing how Shea's is thinking about this decision, and what it looks like for you to continue showing up for the transgender and LGBTQ+ community. We're not writing this off. We're asking you not to either.