LGBTQ+ librarians are tired of “attacks” on queer-themed books, claiming they amount to physical assault

But AP’s headline doesn’t quite fit the story

A weekend report from the Associated Press highlights the alleged “ban” on LGBTQ+-themed books… and actual physical attacks that queer librarians have allegedly endured.

The problem, however, is that the AP’s headline – “LGBTQ+ librarians face attacks on their books – and on themselves” – does not quite match the content of the article.

“Pride Month events around the world are in full swing to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and rights,” writes AP’s Claire Savage. “But it comes at a time when people who identify as LGBTQ+ say they face increasing difficulties at work, ranging from repeated misgendering to physical attacks.”

But the story cites only one librarian, June Meissner of Idaho. (in the picture)who claims that “she” was attacked in the Boise Public Library by a man who asked for help and eventually “lashed out at Meissner,” a transgender woman.

In addition, the “increasing calls for a book ban” on reading material with queer themes exacerbates the problem and makes it “personal” for people like Meissner.

The most criticized book for the third year in a row is “Gender Queer,” which contains explicit depictions of sexual acts. But author Maia Kobabe claims the book is “incredibly harmless.”

“(The book) does touch on the topics of masturbation, sex toys and sexual health,” Kobabe said, but “these are things that pretty much everyone faces in one form or another in their lives.”

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Groups such as Moms for Liberty have challenged Gender Queer and similar books because of their sexually explicit nature.

“The least interesting thing about a child should be their sexual orientation,” said Tiffany Justice of Moms for Liberty. “Why are we inundating them with sexual content?”

AP’s Savage notes that lawmakers across the country are “considering lawsuits, fines and even jail time” for distributing books “that some consider inappropriate.” But most, if not all, of these laws are designed to keep explicit (or, as Savage notes, “harmful”—quotes in the original) material away from children, such as in Meissner’s home state of Idaho.

Meissner says this kind of “politics” “infuriates the public” and makes things “more dangerous and worse” for “them.” Chaz Carey, a children’s librarian from Ohio who uses “they/them” pronouns, agreed, saying book challenges “take a mental toll” on them.

Emily Drabinski of the American Library Association, a self-described “Marxist lesbian” who sees climate change as a threat to libraries, added that “attacks” on books like “Gender Queer” are also attacks on LGBTQ+ people.

“Having my identity used as a weapon against libraries and library workers, the people and institutions I care about most, has made this year difficult and painful,” Drabinski said.

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IMAGE: Las Vegas Sun/X

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