Uncensored: Pride Month
Five banned books written by LGBTQIA+ authors to add to your summer reading list
It’s no secret that the number of books that have been banned by states, localities and school boards nationwide is on the rise. In fact, according to PEN America, the number of banned books has reached an all-time high this school year.
And, the fight to restrict book access is heating up in state legislatures, too. There were more than 150 bills in 35 states last year that sought to ban books or punishing school staff who refuse to restrict access to contested material. These bills disproportionately target works written by or featuring stories from the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community. That’s just a big NO for us.
As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Pride this June, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face censorship and other forms of discrimination that marginalize their experiences and make our schools and communities less safe for LGBTQIA+ youth.
For June (and beyond) we’re inviting you to take a stand against LGBTIA+ censorship. Read and celebrate stories about the queer experience and reflect on how they inspire you, and all of us, to live life Uncensored and with PRIDE.
CELEBRATE QUEER STORIES!
It’s time to amplify the stories that make all of us walk with a little more PRIDE. Join Uncensored today for a chance to earn a $500 scholarship, and let’s slay censorship!
Felix Ever After (2020) by Kacen Callender
Award-winning author Kacen Callender’s Felix Ever After tells the story of transgender teen Felix Love who longs to be in love, but struggles with the fear that he may never find it as a Black, queer, transgender young person.
Gender Queer: A Memoir (2019) by Maia Kobabe
Maia Kobabe (who uses e/em/eir pronouns) takes the reader through eir autobiography, Gender Queer detailing a journey of self-identity. Maia shows vulnerability while depicting eir experiences with adolescent crushes and coming out to family and society.
Lawn Boy (2018) by Jonathan Evison
Young Chicano, Mike Muñoz lives in Washington State and begins a journey of discovery after being fired from his latest gig as a lawn boy on a landscaping crew. Mike is on a search to unlock the secret to achieving the American dream of happiness and prosperity.
Red, White, and Royal Blue (2019) by Casey McQuiston
Before it became a highly watched romantic comedy on Amazon Prime, this novel claimed a spot on The New York Times bestseller list during its debut in 2019. It follows America’s First Son, Alex Claremont-Diaz, as he develops a fake friendship with Henry, The Prince of England, as they work to resolve a confrontation that was captured by the tabloids.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic (2006) by Alison Bechdel
This graphic memoir, which has been made into a Tony award-winning musical, takes the reader into the life of author Alison Bechdel’s childhood and youth in rural Pennsylvania.
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