June has been recognized as Pride Month for over fifty years as a way to honor the achievements, struggles, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community while advocating for a more inclusive and accepting society. At its core, though, Pride is about creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to be their authentic selves and live without fear of discrimination or prejudice. It is a way to foster an environment where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued. The celebrations are not just about joy and acceptance, but are also a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to work toward creating inclusive policies, eradicating discriminatory practices, and promoting equal opportunities. It is a reminder that equality is a fundamental human right that should be afforded to all.
Many gains have been made toward this equality in the last few decades, but challenges remain. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, over 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the US this year, which is more than twice that of last year. In libraries across the country, books with LGBTQ+ characters and content are frequently challenged (i.e., targeted for removal). Of the thirteen books that made the American Library Association’s (ALA) list of Most Challenged Books in 2022, seven titles — including three of the top four — were challenged for having LGBTQ+ content. ALA reported that until recently the vast majority of challenges against books were made by individuals who sought to restrict access to a single book their child was reading. However, 90% of last year’s challenges were directed at multiple books and nearly a fifth of them were made by political and religious groups. Those who challenge these books are usually motivated by the desire to keep kids safe but doing so can have the opposite effect.
When a community says a book needs to banned from the library because of its LGBTQ+ themes, it is telling LGBTQ+ kids that there is something wrong with them, that their experiences are not worthwhile, and that that their very being is inappropriate and needs to be banned and legislated against. This can have serious consequences. The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth. However, their research also consistently finds that LGBTQ+ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces. According to the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) School Climate Survey, libraries are important in making that happen. Although only 25% of LGBTQ+ students saw themselves represented in the school curriculum, 62% found inclusive materials in libraries. When students see themselves in books, it helps validate their existence and their experiences, reinforces their self-worth, and shows them they belong.
These books are not just important for members of the LBGTQ+ community though. They can educate and inform all readers. But they do more than inform. Reading invites us to make connections with the characters and encourages empathy. Reading can provide other students a better understanding of LGBTQ+ people, encourage them to question stereotypes, and expose them to more inclusive and accurate accounts of history and the world around them. So, during this Pride Month we invite you to check out our book display of LGBTQ+ books from the ALA most challenge list the on the main floor of the library.