George Takei's new mission: fighting book censorship
Actor and author George Takei isn't just resting on his laurels; he's taking a stand against book bans, especially those targeting LGBTQ+ literature. He's been appointed as honorary chairperson by none other than ALA's Banned Books Week, running from October 5-11. For Takei, this isn't just a title, but a cause close at heart, dedicated as he has been throughout his career, it seems, in safeguarding our right both away from and within literary gates.
"It wasn't always easy," Takei shared, reflecting on his own past struggles. "Growing up as I did with access heavily restricted, be it in a barbed-wire camp or staying 'closeted', I often felt unanchored, desperate even. Storylines that echoed my own realities should be readily available. Now, I'm penning works with a purpose: they're meant not just as escape but empowerment," he added. "We all must champion this cause against censorship, using books as a bridge towards understanding ourselves and others."
A celebration: our right—and will—to read
As Banned Books Week celebrates its 43rd year, it's running under a theme that's got a certain catchy ring: “Censorship Is So 1984. Read For Your Rights.” Iris Mogul, a vivid teenager who formed a "Banned Books Club" in reaction against book removals in Florida, steps forward as youth honorary chair. In 2024, PEN America and ALA report about 72% book challenges stem not from individuals, but from organized forces.
Takei's unwavering stand: proud and free
Remember Takei as Hikaru Sulu on that memorable series, Star Trek? He's long stepped out beyond roles, emerging as a fierce voice in LGBTQ+ advocacy since coming out at 68. His activism touches personal chords, tracing back from internment camp experiences. Productions like his musical Allegiance or graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy aren't just works—they're parts and parcels, reflections if you will. And along with partner Brad Altman, their lives and activism unravel in To Be Takei.
"Books, they're pillars supporting democracy," Takei noted, illustrating literature's role in making empathy second nature. "True governance springs from people empowered through a spectrum in stories. Unfortunately, such empowerment's under threat, facing fire from both political and education systems across this nation."
Major hurdles facing diverse literature
The latest from ALA isn't comforting. It details seven out ten most-banned American library books contain LGBTQ+ narratives. Looking back, 2024's become third-most aggressive book-banning year since ALA began records in '90. Such prohibitions endanger diverse expressions and outlooks.
LGBTQ+ books under fire
Recently, some LGBTQ+ books encountered fierce pushbacks. In 2022, bans spiked. Consider Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer: A Memoir, off-limits in 30 districts. George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue faced rebuffs across 21 states. Jonathan Evison's Lawn Boy? 16 districts turned it aside. Susan Kuklin's Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out met bans in 11. Such narratives, vital and eye-opening, nevertheless, continue battlng censorship.
Takei's presence as Banned Books Week draws near only magnifies these critical issues. Together with ALA, PEN America, and like-minded allies, they're working towards ensuring rich tapestry in stories. "More than just words in print, it echoes our right—to be visible, audible, and live genuinely as who we are," Takei emphasized.
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