Pride & Protest
#QueerBookChallenge - #FReadom - #BooksNotBans
Next Wednesday is the beginning of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It’s a great time to remember those who have paved the way and those we have lost, to celebrate ourselves and those who have survived, and to have some fun and “act up” a bit!
THE CHALLENGE: Read (or listen to) one “banned” LGBTQIA+ book each week in June (I’ve included some links below if you don’t know where to start). Through this small bit of activism, we will support five queer authors and protest the banning of books.
BONUS: Gift some of these books to others and invite your friends and family to join the challenge. Share this challenge on your social media feeds using the three hashtags above and talk about the books you choose to read.
FOLLOW: I’ll be posting updates on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s talk about the books we’re reading and get to know each other.
Some Inspiration
“By putting restrictions on who gets to claim shelf space, school boards are telling marginalized kids—especially those who are LGBTQ+ and/or kids of color—that their very existence is invalid. That's exactly what these book bans are meant to imply.” Read Full Article.
“If you want to help with the resistance, request LGBTQIA+ books to be placed in your library and check them out if they have them to show your support. Buy banned books to support the authors and show the publishing industry that it's necessary to keep buying books that represent members of queer communities. Show up to school board meetings to voice your support and organize opposition if a book challenge comes up in your district. Express your opinion on social media with the hashtags #FReadom and #BooksNotBans.” Read Full Article.