The American Library Association recently released a list detailing the 10 most challenged book titles of 2023, with seven of them dealing with LGBTQ themes. Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer,” a graphic memoir about coming out as nonbinary, topped the list for the third year in a row. Other LGBTQ-themed titles included on the list were George M. Johnson’s “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” Juno Dawson’s “This Book Is Gay,” and Mike Curato’s “Flamer.” These challenges come amid nationwide debates over what reading materials are appropriate for young people, driven in part by conservative activist groups like Moms for Liberty and Republican elected officials.
Conservative movements in the United States have been focusing on initiatives to limit LGBTQ visibility, such as Florida’s restrictions on LGBTQ education in public schools and efforts to prevent trans athletes from participating in school sports. American Library Association President Emily Drabinski expressed concern over the targeting of LGBTQIA+ and people of color in the challenging of books. She emphasized the importance of fighting for the freedom to choose what one wants to read, and to combat harmful censorship practices. The goal is to protect the right to read and advocate for a diverse range of voices and perspectives in literature.
The American Library Association reported a significant increase in the number of book challenges in 2023, with a 65% spike from the previous year, reaching the highest level ever documented by the organization. A total of 4,240 individual book titles were targeted for removal from schools and public libraries, a sharp rise from the previous high of 2,571 in 2022. The top five most challenged books in 2023 all had LGBTQ themes, including titles like “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “The Bluest Eye,” “Tricks,” “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” “Let’s Talk About It,” and “Sold.” These challenges highlight the ongoing tension surrounding LGBTQ representation in literature.
National Library Week was kicked off with the release of the list of challenged books, co-sponsored by the American Library Association. The organization, which has been tracking attempts to ban books since 1990, compiles data from reports by library professionals and news stories. The data from 2023 represents only a snapshot of book censorship, as many attempts to challenge books may not be formally reported or covered by the media. Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom at the association, warned that each challenge to censor books is an attack on freedom to read, live according to personal choices, and on libraries as institutions that celebrate the diversity of the nation. Tolerating censorship puts all of this at risk.
The challenges to book selections reflect broader societal debates over what is deemed appropriate literature for young people, particularly in relation to LGBTQ themes and diverse voices. Conservative groups and political figures have been at the forefront of efforts to restrict certain books from schools and public libraries, citing concerns over content that they consider objectionable. The American Library Association’s ongoing monitoring of attempted bans and challenges serves to bring attention to these issues and advocate for the protection of the freedom to access a wide range of ideas and perspectives in literature. The pushback against censorship highlights the importance of defending the right to read and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for differing viewpoints within the literary world.
