Maia Kobabe, an American author who identifies as asexual and gender queer, faced an unexpected storm of controversy when their graphic novel, “Gender Queer,” was published in 2019. Fast forward three years, and the book has become the most banned publication in the United States. Censored by 138 school districts across 32 states, the bans reflect a larger conservative pushback against LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
The censorship of “Gender Queer” has evoked mixed emotions for Kobabe. While initially feeling sadness over the bans, they have now embraced anger. Kobabe emphasizes the importance of books in providing reflections of oneself and windows into other people’s experiences. They highlight that “Gender Queer” has served as both a mirror and an empathetic tool for different readers. The removal of such books from libraries or defunding libraries altogether impoverishes the entire community, according to Kobabe.
The American Library Association (ALA) reported a record-breaking 1,269 requests to censor library books last year, doubling the number registered in 2021. These figures signify a concerning trend in limiting access to diverse literature. President Joe Biden has also expressed his dismay, stating his role in fighting against elected officials attempting to ban books and stressing the detrimental impact of empty shelves on children’s learning. The debate surrounding book censorship has intensified, with supporters arguing that they aim to protect children from age-inappropriate content.
However, critics argue that the attempts to clear school library shelves of contentious material disproportionately target books addressing sexuality, gender identity, and race. PEN America, a nonprofit organization advocating for freedom of expression, revealed that during the first half of last year, over 800 titles were affected by book bans in schools. Approximately 30% of the banned books focused on race and racism, while nearly a quarter tackled issues of gender, sexuality, and LGBTQ+ characters.
Certain states, such as Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina, were identified as being more prone to removing texts from school library shelves. Authors who have faced censorship, like Benjamin Alire Saenz, highlight the crucial role of writers as spokespersons for the LGBTQ+ community. Saenz emphasizes the need for representation, particularly for the younger generation, by urging readers to see LGBTQ+ characters as “our children, our sons.”
The discussion surrounding book appropriateness for children is considered healthy and necessary by some. Francesca Tripodi, an assistant professor at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina, acknowledges that challenges to material can occur in a functioning democracy. However, she questions whether the motivations behind these protests genuinely prioritize children’s rights or are driven by a broader national political debate between social conservatives and liberals.
The surge in book censorship has presented unforeseen practical problems for LGBTQ+ authors. As legislative initiatives targeted transgender rights across the country, authors like Naomi Kanakia, who is trans, have hadto update their author’s notes to reflect the worsening legal situation for trans kids. The Trevor Project, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ Americans, warns that the wave of book bans has the potential to deprive young people of the opportunity to find themselves in stories.
Despite the challenges, LGBTQ+ authors like Kanakia remain committed to keeping the opportunity for representation open. Kanakia emphasizes that the most important thing is for young people to have access to diverse stories, even if it means authors like her miss out on royalties. The impact of book censorship on LGBTQ+ youth and the need for representation has become a crucial topic of discussion.
As the debate rages on, the future of LGBTQ+ literature in American schools hangs in the balance. Advocates for freedom of expression argue against the bans, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the power of literature to provide understanding and empathy. Meanwhile, proponents of the bans claim they are protecting children from inappropriate content. The tension between these perspectives underscores the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the United States.
In a functioning democracy, it is essential to engage in thoughtful conversations about the appropriateness of reading material for children. However, it is crucial to examine the motives behind such challenges and whether they genuinely prioritize children’s rights or serve as a proxy for broader national political debates. Ultimately, the battle over book censorship is not just about books; it is about the fundamental values of acceptance, diversity, and the right to tell and hear stories from all walks of life.