Banned Books – April 22, 2025
Unfortunately, the society that we live in today is one of a “Cancel Culture” where if your views aren’t the same as societal norms, you choose a different religion, your hairstyle or manner of dress doesn’t conform, your social circle isn’t popular, you’re driving the wrong vehicle, your family isn’t from the right socio-economic sphere, … that and any number of implicit biases will get you a welcome pass to the Cancel Culture realm, where your status as an outcast will net you a space in the abyss of you no longer exist or not relevant.
This week in Banned Books, we’ll examine books written by and about a segment of the population that has always existed, living on the fringes of society while being an integral part of it. We’re speaking of the LGBTQ Community, whose movement didn’t have a starting point, but key milestones of the movement include the 1969 Stonewall Riots and the 1970 when the first pride parades began. The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous riots and demonstrations that took place at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969. The visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ com- munity has increased over time.
Though many are not aware of it, evidence of same-sex love and diverse gender identities can be found in ancient civilizations dating back to the 7th century BCE. The first documented gay rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, was founded in 1924, with groups like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis emerging in the 1950’s
This week we’ll explore “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson and “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe.
With an impressive list of awards, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson is a memoir-manifesto published in 2020 by the journalist/activist. The book is a series of essays following Johnson’s journey growing up as a gay African American male in New Jersey and Virginia. In addition to describing his own experiences, the author addresses Black gay boys who may not have someone in their life with similar experiences.
Johnson’s book was challenged and banned due to its LGBTQ content, including descriptions of sex and sex- ual assault, portrayal of racism and homophobia, explicit depictions of sexual encounters, and for addressing racism, rape, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives.
“Gender Queer” is a 2019 graphic memoir written and illustrated by Maia Kobabe, an American cartoonist and author, as a response using cartoons for those struggling or having difficulty explaining their gender to parents after coming out.
An interesting note here is that genderqueer and non-binary are often interchangeable, with nonbinary being a broader term that encompasses any gender identity outside of the male/female binary, while on the other hand, genderqueer implies a more intentional subversion or questioning of gender roles and expectations.
“Gender Queer” was banned in numerous school districts and libraries because of sexual content, including illustrations of nude characters, sexual experiences, depictions of masturbation, and menstruation, with many challenges stemming from anti-LGBTQ backlash and some political polarization.
Commenting on the importance of fighting for LGBTQ rights of all individuals and not just a few, Marsha P. Johnson is quoted as saying the following:
“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.”
“Who you are is beautiful and amazing.”
– Laverne Cox
