Book bans have been on an alarming rise lately, especially targeting LGBTQ+ literature, and it has many people worried. Just last school year alone, there were a shocking 6,870 book bans, impacting nearly 4,000 different titles. Florida, Texas, and Tennessee are leading this charge. Most banned books are singled out because they tackle LGBTQ+ themes, covering both recent works and classic literature that's been challenged time and again.
Some top targets right now are modern books like *Gender Queer*, *Flamer*, and *All Boys Aren't Blue*. Why these books? They dive deep, exploring sexual identity, gender, and race—topics that have made them both beloved and controversial. Despite facing challenges, these books have long been celebrated as key pieces in LGBTQ+ literature.
victories in free speech and LGBTQ+ literature
But it's not all doom and gloom. Recently, free speech and LGBTQ+ literature champions have had reason to cheer. In elections, many school board candidates who stood behind these book bans didn't win. This shift gives hope that more folks are rallying against censorship. Parents, queer authors, and allies seem tired of constant culture wars and are pushing back.
Why not celebrate these wins by sharing some powerful LGBTQ+ literature with loved ones this holiday season?
Symposium by plato (c. 385 - 370 BCE)
Plato's *Symposium* dives deep into love, focusing on male affection in ancient Greece. The dialogues, featuring big names like Socrates and Aristophanes, unpack love and sexuality's complexities. This Greek classic has left its mark on writers over centuries, including E.M. Forster, who drew from it in his novel *Maurice*.
Corydon by andré gide (1924)
In *Corydon*, André Gide takes on conventional ideas about male relationships and celebrates homosexuality as natural. Through dialogues inspired by Plato, Gide critiques norms that enforce heterosexuality and boldly affirms gay love long before such ideas were mainstream.
Orlando by virginia woolF (1928)
Virginia WoolF's *Orlando* breaks new ground in exploring gender fluidity and identity. Inspired by her lover, Vita Sackville-West, it follows Orlando through centuries, shifting genders and experiencing significant moments in literature. It's a key text in transgender studies and showcases WoolF's creative genius.
The Autobiography Of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein (1933)
Gertrude Stein's *The Autobiography Of Alice B. Toklas* offers a modernist look at life in Paris with legendary artists and writers. Told in Stein's partner, Alice B. Toklas's voice, it illuminates their relationship and cultural scene, earning its place as a major nonfiction work in English.
Giovanni's Room by james baldwin (1956)
James Baldwin's *Giovanni's Room* dives deep into gay relationships' emotions. Set in Paris, it follows a young American man wrestling with his feelings, especially toward an Italian bartender named Giovanni. Baldwin's powerful exploration of identity, desire, and societal expectations has moved readers for years.
The Front Runner by patricia nell warren (1974)
Published after Stonewall, Patricia Nell Warren's *The Front Runner* offers a groundbreaking take on love and acceptance. The story follows a running coach and his athlete's romance against societal pushback, making it a pivotal piece of LGBTQ+ literature with its narrative and emotional impact.
A Boy's Own Story by edmund white (1982)
Edmund White's *A Boy's Own Story* kicks off a coming-of-age trilogy. It tells a young gay man's story in mid-20th century America, delving into identity, longing, and acceptance. White's work continues to resonate with readers on similar paths of self-discovery.
These books have endured over time because they offer rich stories that explore LGBTQ+ lives and experiences' complexities. Why not share these tales with friends and family this holiday season, celebrating diversity and resilience in a time of censorship?
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