The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom reports that between January 1st and August 31st, 2023, there were 695 attempts to censor library materials. These attempts challenged 1,915 pieces of literature. Comparing the same reporting period from 2022 to 2023 shows that there has been a 20% increase in book censorship. In fact, the American Library Association noted the 2022 reporting period as having the highest number of book challenges —challenges that have led to numerous book bans.

Censoring literature restricts the variety of stories available for everyone to read. Unfortunately, book challenges and bans target minority groups at a comparatively higher rate. Books hold power—a power that makes minority populations feel seen, accepted, and like they’re part of a community. With book bans targeting LGBTQIA+ communities at a startling rate, it’s critical for our society to fight for marginalized voices to be heard.

Challenged vs Banned Books

The terms “challenged books” and “banned books” are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two. When a book is challenged, there is an attempt to remove it or restrict its access based on a person’s objections to the material. When a book gets banned, the attempt has passed, and there is an actual removal of the materials. Book bans can either be temporary or long-term.

PEN America found that between July 1st, 2022 to December 1st, 2022, 874 different books had been banned. Here are some statistics on the content in banned books:

44% of books included themes or depictions of violence and physical abuse
38% of books included themes of health and well-being
30% of books included discussions of race and racism or included characters of color
26% of books included LGBTQIA+ themes or characters

History of Book Bans

Censorship isn’t new. Some of the earliest instance of book bans originates from the colonial era. William Pynchon’s pamphlet, The Meritorious Price of Our Redemption, was banned due to its anti-Puritan ideals. Additionally, multiple materials emphasizing anti-slavery sentiments were burned and banned during the American Civil War. As we can see in these historical instances, censorship has roots in stifling voices that stray from societal norms.

This silencing didn’t stop during the Civil War era, though. The Comstock Act—passed in 1873—targeted the distribution of birth control and any texts or articles regarding sexuality. Sexuality and birth control were seen at the time as immoral, and any distribution of these materials was punishable by law. Yet again, we see that censorship thrives off of suppressing any voices that diverge from or challenge dominant societal norms.

In the case of the Comstock Act, we see the suppression of materials that serve and benefit minority communities. Today, we see that history is repeating itself: LGBTQIA+ identities do not fit into heteronormative and white supremacist norms, meaning they’re being scrapped from our everyday curriculum.

Dangers of Book Bans

LGBTQIA+ stories are important for us all, as a society, to have access to. It’s even more crucial for those who claim these identities to have access to them. Book bans that target minority identities send the message that these identities are worthy of being erased from our culture. Erasure builds feelings of shame and isolation. Positive and accurate media representation, on the other hand, allows LGBTQIA+ communities to fight these feelings of shame and isolation and to feel less lonely. Seeing authors publish their own stories—whether fictional or autobiographical—may give audiences the hope and knowledge that they are not alone.

In one study by Craig et al., data show that positive media representation can build resilience and community for LGBTQIA+ youth. Representation “allows [LGBTQIA+] youth to connect and deal with the stigma they experience”. Access to literature is vital for LGBTQIA+ stories to be recognized and talked about. It gives so many people the space to be themselves and makes them feel connected to someone else. Allowing free access to LGBTQIA+ books produces a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people to discuss their own experiences. The more voices that are heard, the louder the message is to those controlling book challenges and bans: we’re here, and we aren’t going to back down.

How to Fight for Marginalized Voices:

The best way to fight for marginalized voices is by taking direct action! Here are ways to fight against book censorship and bans:

Contact your decision-makers, such as library administrators, school boards, and city council people. Use Unite Against Book Ban’s Action Toolkit to help you guide these conversations. You can go about contacting your officials by calling them or writing them a letter, whichever is your strong suit and within your comfort zone!
Buy a banned book. This not only helps expand the radius of exposure but also helps out the authors and publishers of these banned books. Authors and publishers are hurt by book bans as well, so supporting those creating and publishing is vital.
Support an advocacy group. By supporting advocacy groups that fight against book censorship, you’re showing those with power what matters. You can follow social media accounts such as the American Literature Association or the National Coalition Against Censorship.
Celebrate Banned Book Week. In 1982, Banned Books Week was created in response to the number of books being challenged skyrocketing. Libraries, bookstores, and schools felt the effects of these challenges. Banned Books Week is celebrated annually to illustrate the importance of free access to information along with creating a stronger book community.

Banning and challenging books that contain LGBTQIA+ themes and stories is not just a simple removal of a piece of literature: it is the removal of lived experiences, valuable voices, and so much beautiful culture. Moving forward, we can work together to uplift the voices of LGBTQIA+ authors and their audiences and continue the fight for free access to literature.

Written by Jess Pearse (she/they).

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