Protecting Children or Censoring Adults? LGBTQ+ Content Under Fire in Citrus County Libraries
The call to remove “Lawn Boy” and “This Book is Gay” from Citrus County libraries is a clear example of misleading censorship attempts. These books are intended for adult readers and are correctly shelved in the adult section, making the argument about protecting children irrelevant.
In recent weeks, Citrus County libraries have come under scrutiny as a group of citizens called for the removal of 26 books, claiming to protect children from inappropriate content. However, it’s important to clarify that two of the books in question, “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison and “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, are adult books and were appropriately shelved in the adult section of the library.
Misleading Claims and Misplaced Concerns
“Lawn Boy” is a coming-of-age novel that has gained attention for its LGBTQ themes, explicit content, and strong language. Despite being ranked as one of the most banned and challenged books by the American Library Association (ALA), it is intended for an adult audience and has been correctly categorized as adult fiction. The call for its removal, citing protection of young readers, is misleading and unfounded.
Similarly, “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson is an adult non-fiction work that provides a candid and educational discussion about LGBTQ issues. It serves as a valuable resource for adults seeking to understand and explore topics related to sexuality and identity. This book, too, is housed in the adult section, making the claims about its inappropriateness for children irrelevant and misdirected.
The Broader Issue of Censorship
Censorship in libraries is not a new issue. Historically, libraries have been battlegrounds for the fight over intellectual freedom and access to information. Jennifer Elaine Steele, an assistant professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, highlights in her essay, “A History of Censorship in the United States,” that libraries have always faced challenges regarding the inclusion of controversial materials.
Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to a diverse range of materials, supporting the First Amendment rights of free speech and information access. Misclassifying and censoring adult books under the guise of protecting children undermines these principles and sets a dangerous precedent.
Upholding Intellectual Freedom
Library Director Adam Chang has confirmed that all 26 books are under review, and they were pulled from shelves pending this review. It is crucial for this process to focus on accurate classification and appropriate shelving of materials, rather than succumbing to external pressures that seek to limit access to diverse perspectives and voices.
Lets wrap this up.
The call to remove “Lawn Boy” and “This Book is Gay” from Citrus County libraries is a clear example of misleading censorship attempts. These books are intended for adult readers and are correctly shelved in the adult section, making the argument about protecting children irrelevant. It is essential to recognize that LGBTQ+ content is not equivalent to pornography, and attempts to censor such materials under false pretenses should be resisted. Libraries must continue to uphold their role as champions of intellectual freedom, ensuring access to a wide range of materials for all readers.