How Censorship in Schools Affects the LGBTQIA+ Community
At The Personal Freedoms Institute (PFI), we’re deeply concerned about the increasing trend of book bans in schools and libraries across the United States[2]. These bans not only limit students’ access to diverse perspectives but also hinder understanding and empathy for transgender individuals and the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.
Transgender people face unique challenges, including discrimination, lack of access to healthcare, and even violence[1]. By banning books that address transgender issues or feature transgender characters, we are perpetuating ignorance and misunderstanding. This censorship goes against the founding principles of PFI, which include liberty, equality, and natural rights for all individuals, regardless of gender identity[3].
According to a report by PEN America, there was a 33% increase in book bans across the U.S. between July 1, 2022, and June 31, 2023, compared to the previous school year[2]. Many of these bans target books written by female, people of color, and LGBTQ+ authors[3]. This censorship not only silences marginalized voices but also deprives students of the opportunity to learn about different experiences and develop empathy for others.
The Anti-Freedom Organizations Behind It All
Perhaps not surprisingly, three anti-LGBTQIA+ organizations are behind the bans: Moms for Liberty, Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF), and Parents’ Rights in Education.
Anyone touting liberty, freedom, or parent’s rights that also promotes banning books in our schools is NOT an organization dedicated to liberty or freedom, quite the contrary. These organizations are attempting to enforce a singular point of view on all Americans. They are in fact anti-freedom and anti-liberty for anyone who does not conform to their singular and extremely narrow views.
Additionally, their call for protecting our children lacks integrity and is extremely disingenuous. Again, if you conform to their norms you’ll be protected, and if not, you’ll be censored and erased.
Censorship Harms Everyone
To foster understanding and empathy for transgender individuals, we must resist censorship and advocate for the freedom to read. By exposing students to diverse perspectives, we can help create a more inclusive and compassionate society. As allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, we must stand against book bans and support the right to access information and stories that reflect the experiences of all people.
Let us join together in the fight against censorship and work towards a world where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. By standing up for the freedom to read, we can help create a more empathetic and understanding society that embraces the diversity of the human experience.
Sources:
[1] https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/this-is-what-transgender-eradication
[2] https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/09/book-bans-in-u-s-schools-libraries-increased-by-33-this-past-school-year/
[3] https://pen.org/report/book-bans-pressure-to-censor/