DoSomething Banned Books List: Pride
Six banned books by LGBTQIA+ authors for you to add to your reading list today
Banning books is nothing new. It’s been around for literal centuries, a hot topic issue of what people should–and should not–read. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a continuous uptick in the effort to ban books, especially books by LGBTQIA+ and authors of color, whose stories touch on life and perspectives beyond that of white, straight, middle-class individuals.
When books are banned or challenged in schools and communities (challenged books are those that people want to be removed but have yet to receive the official ban), students receive a sanitized version of history–and one that is not reflective of today's society.
In the spirit of celebrating our most authentic selves, we have to recognize the profound impact of reading books by LGBTQIA+ authors. These books–often labeled “too hot to handle” – explore the diverse experience of the community, while boldly challenging the status quo. LGBTQIA+ authors often face a myriad of challenges like lack of representation, censorship and banning, and prejudice and discrimination. However, books by these authors provide a much needed platform for marginalized and suppressed stories to be told. By embracing these authors, their stories, and perspectives, we expand our cultural awarenes and pave the way for a world that’s overflowing with empathy, acceptance, and understanding.
Then be sure to share your reflections with us through our Uncensored program (you’ll even enter to earn a $1,000 scholarship)!
Elevated during Women’s History Month, this book follows the story of a young trans girl as she discovers her identity. An obvious “must-have” on our Pride reading list, this story addresses challenges faced by the trans community, while reminding us of the very important message to be ourselves. As the fifth most banned book between 2010 and 2020, this book has been challenged for including sexual references and challenging “traditional family structure.”
Beyond Magenta (2014) by Susan Kuklin
Another book from our Women’s History month list, this book tells the story of life, love, and struggles of transgender teens. Susan Kuklin, the author, interviewed six trans and nonbinary young adults about their concepts of gender and how they relate to it. Each interview portrays a unique and memorable story, sharing a breadth of experiences and ideas with the reader. It is banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it is considered to be sexually explicit. Given ongoing legislation and attacks on trans youth, this book is a must read. Not only for its thoughtful storytelling, but for the way it shines a light on the vast diversity of trans experiences.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999) by Stephen Chbosky
Sometimes, you can’t just watch the movie…you have to read the book! And this is one of our favorites. This novel, which follows quiet high school student Charlie, is a beautiful story all about accepting who you are. This book also hits on themes of what it means to keep things hidden and in the dark, and the experience of denying yourself because of concerns about what others may think. While this book has faced bans and challenges for sexual and drug related content almost every year since publication, it’s widely celebrated as a story of hope and representation in the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo (2018) by Jill Twiss
This light hearted yet profound children’s book follows a boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny. The ideas of tolerance and advocacy ripple throughout this book as it explores topics like homosexuality, democracy, and civic engagement. This book is quite literally for “any bunny who has ever felt different.” As the 19th most banned book between 2010 and 2019, many attack this because of its LGBTQIA+ content, with some critics claiming it’s trying to pollute the morals of its readers. We don’t know about you, but we loooveee a children’s book that teaches the importance of living out your truth and loving who you want to love.
Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen (2016) by Jazz Jennings
We ❤️ Jazz! One of the most prominent youth activists for trans rights and gender identity, Jazz Jennings shares her story of transition in her personal and raw memoir, Being Jazz. In her story, Jazz shares the experiences she had–both public and private–and how they have helped shape her and society’s attitude and consciousness towards trans issues. The book also touches on many shared experiences of trans youth like bullying, discrimination, and rejection. Many have challenged this book claiming it as pornographic and sexually explicit. We can’t get enough of it for its truly beautiful message and tolerance and unconditional love!
Cemetery Boys (2020) by Aiden Thomas
It’s not a DoSomething reading list without a graphic novel! This New York Times best-seller follows brujx Yadriel Vélez Flores–a wielder of an ancient and powerful magic endowed by Mictēcacihuātl (pronounced, “MIK-teh-kah-see-WAT"), the Mayan goddess of death. This novel has everything you could want in a young adult book: angsty romance, a murder mystery, and a mystifying setting. A fearless portrayal of a trans protagonist, there simply aren’t enough books like this. It’s the definition of a “must-read!” Texas legislators have proposed banning this book due to drinking, drugs, profanity, sex, and violence.
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