When thinking of book censorship, minds often drift to dystopian worlds where uniform thinking is promoted. You might think of George Orwell’s 1984 where reading and writing is censored. Most famously, you may think of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 where books are burned which is one of the most prominent examples of book censorship. But you often don’t want to associate the world you are living in with this level of dystopia.
However, after a survey was conducted by Index on Censorship in the UK, it has been found that 53% of school librarians that responded were asked to remove many books from their shelves. This is 28 out of 53 librarians.
The books were specifically LGBTQ+ novels. Either queer authors or queer characters are being targeted in this demeaning censorship. These bans began after some parents complained about these books.
Emma, a school librarian under a pseudonym, discussed how she has felt ‘frightened, intimidated’ when selecting books, including the recent Heartstopper book. Homophobic attitudes are insightfully the underlying cause of this book censorship.
Children’s education is being diminished and targeted by these bans, with certain voices not being able to have a platform. The voices bring about different perspectives and outlooks and their importance to students is amplified since many have questioned their whereabouts. Some of the banned books include: This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson, The alphabet book ABC Pride by Louie Stowell and others.
Some of the librarians had to remove the books. Others were asked to remove them. Some are afraid to purchase LGBTQ+ books in the first place . These forms of censorship are harmful because the ultimate aim is to guide students away from these novels. This is a dystopian practice silencing many voices and cutting students off from places they may feel connected to or find a home in, which Stonewall has emphasised the importance of. Students need inclusive material, and the ban also encourages danger towards the community as a whole.
The freedom to read needs to be protected and many librarians have begun this fight. The silencing of voices through this book ban is dangerous and needs to end.
Words by Momnah Shahnaz