In a concerning trend, LGBT+ books are being banned from UK schools following complaints from parents, as revealed by a six-month investigation conducted by Index on Censorship. The results of the investigation, shared exclusively with The Independent, found that 53% of UK school librarians surveyed had been asked to remove literature, with more than half of those cases resulting in books being taken off shelves.
The survey highlighted that over two dozen librarians had experienced censorship, with one librarian being instructed to remove every book with an LGBT+ theme after a single complaint from a parent about one book. Specific titles that were removed from school libraries included „This Book Is Gay“ by Juno Dawson, „Julián is a Mermaid“ by Jessica Love, and „ABC Pride“ by Louie Stowell, Elly Barnes, and Amy Phelps.
The move to ban LGBT+ books has sparked outrage among LGBT+ charities, MPs, and authors, who view it as a dangerous regression on gay rights. Former MP Elliot Colburn, who faced homophobic threats while in Parliament, warned that preventing children from accessing material that speaks to their experiences poses a clear danger to young LGBT+ individuals.
Renowned author Simon James Green, known for his LGBT+ teenage fiction, had a visit to a Catholic secondary school in south London cancelled in 2022, leading to online trolling and threats. Green expressed concern about the increasing pushback against LGBTQ+ library books and the impact it has on school librarians.
Many librarians, fearing reprisals, have resorted to defying bans by providing „off-the-record loans“ from a back cupboard or discreetly keeping certain books without displaying them openly. The lack of support and guidance for school staff facing such challenges has left them feeling vulnerable and intimidated.
The absence of statutory requirements for schools to provide libraries leaves the decision-making process up to individual schools. Calls have been made for the government to offer more support to staff facing book removal requests and to issue new guidance on how to handle complaints effectively.
Concerns have been raised about the influence of agitator groups in the UK, mirroring similar intolerance seen in the US where book challenges and bans are more organized. The American Library Association reported 4,240 different books targeted for censorship last year, highlighting a concerning trend.
Stonewall and other LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have emphasized the importance of inclusive educational materials and books that reflect the diversity of society. Removing LGBT+ books from school libraries can have a detrimental impact on LGBT+ youth, making them feel ashamed and invisible.
Politicians from various parties have expressed deep concern over the censorship of LGBT+ books in UK schools, calling for new guidance to empower schools in the face of aggressive complaints. The Department for Education declined to comment on the issue, leaving many to question the future of LGBT+ representation in school libraries.
In conclusion, the banning of LGBT+ books in UK schools is a troubling development that threatens the rights and visibility of LGBT+ individuals. It is essential for schools to provide inclusive educational materials that reflect the diverse world we live in, ensuring that all young people feel represented and accepted. The fight against censorship and discrimination must continue to ensure a more inclusive and tolerant society for all.