I’ve had librarians say to me, “People in my school don’t…
““I’ve had librarians say to me, “People in my school don’t agree with homosexuality, so it’s difficult to have your book on the shelves.” Here’s the thing: Being gay is not an issue, it is an identity. It is not something that you can agree or disagree with. It is a fact, and must be defended and represented as a fact. To use another part of my identity as an example: if someone said to me, “I’m sorry, but we can’t carry that book because it’s so Jewish and some people in my school don’t agree with Jewish culture,” I would protest until I reached my last gasp. Prohibiting gay books is just as abhorrent… Discrimination is not a legitimate point of view. Silencing books silences the readers who need them most. And silencing these readers can have dire, tragic consequences. Never forget who these readers are. They are just as curious and anxious about life as any other teenager.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Identity is factual, not debatable; silencing marginalized voices harms readers.
In simple terms: Identity is a fact, not a choice.
Key Takeaway
Defend representation.
Themes
equality
free speech
identity
Mood
urgent
empathetic
Type
activist
expository
When to use this quote
- schools
- libraries
- public policy
- media platforms
Key Concepts
Social justice
censorship
L rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect diverse books?
- What responsibilities do readers have?
A Different Perspective
Balancing free speech with community standards is complex.