As an LGBTQ+* literary organization and as a community, we find ourselves targeted. Again. This time we are among a group of targets in need of silencing, according to a not-insignificant movement that has determined that the stories, histories, and experiences of racially and ethnically marginalized peoples in the U.S. amount to nothing more than some warped definition of “critical race theory” (CRT). The LGBTQ+ community has been reduced and codified as “predatory.” And this movement has declared that children must be protected from exposure to any of these groups. The banning of access to literature by or featuring BIPOC** and LGBTQ+ people has become one of the more popular means by which they can achieve their ends. This is a violation of our freedom of speech.
These attacks are rooted in bigotry and are transparent attempts at erasure for reasons based in hatred. It’s hard to know where to begin in combating messaging or legislation that demands that LGBTQ+ people go back into hiding, that we cease any contribution to culture, that we stop speaking to children in ways that affirm their individuality and their place in the world.
Here, we have compiled a list of resources from organizations following and responding to the current book banning crisis. Whether you are a reader, author, student, librarian, educator, or advocate, we hope you will find in these tools a way to navigate conversations and coordinate actions in defense of works by marginalized creators. If these prejudicial instigators of book banning THINK they have the power to attack our civil liberties, then we will RESIST.
*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and all emerging identities
**Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
What’s the difference between a book ban and a challenge?
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection.
What is book censorship?
Book banning, a form of censorship, occurs when private individuals, government officials, or organizations remove books from libraries, school reading lists, or bookstore shelves because they object to their content, ideas, or themes. Those advocating a ban complain typically that the book in question contains graphic violence, expresses disrespect for parents and family, is sexually explicit, exalts evil, lacks literary merit, is unsuitable for a particular age group, or includes offensive language.
Click on the topic to view resources for each dropdown menu.
General Resources
These links provide information, history, stories, data, resources for fighting back against book banning, and toolkits.
NCAC’s Defend LGBTQ Stories: A Resource
NCAC’s Book Challenge Resource Center
Fight Censorship from the American Library Association
How to Fight Book Bannings from Book Riot
Toolkit: Intellectual Freedom Resources
Author’s Guild Banned Books Club
How to Host a Read-In in Your Community- from Red, Wine, and Blue
Lambda Legal’s Preventing Censorship of LGBT Information in Public School Libraries Fact Sheet
Who’s Tracking
Find out what books are being challenged or banned in schools, libraries, and districts across the United States.
PEN America’s Index of School Book Bannings
NCAC’s Youth Censorship Database and Map
Map, Reporting Form, other Resources- from Red, Wine, and Blue
Dr. Magnussun’s Database of Book Challenges and Bannings in the US from 2021-22
Where to Report
These are organizations where book bans and challenges can be reported.
For Authors
These resources are specifically for LGBTQ+ authors.
For Educators and Librarians
These resources are specifically for educators, librarians, and school librarians.
NCAC’s Responding to Book Challenges
Infographics on Challenges and Bannings for your Classroom
How to Talk With Students about Banned Books
Essay: Windows, Mirrors, Sliding Glass Doors
How to Write a Rationale for Keeping Books in Classrooms and Libraries
For Students
These resources are specifically for students.
NCAC’s Resource Center for Students
Kid’s Right to Read Action Kit
Books Unbanned- Digital membership for anyone aged 13-21- Brooklyn Library