Banned Books: Censorship, Free Expression, and LGBTQ Identity

Over the past few years, challenges to books written by or about LGBTQ people—as well as those by or about racial and ethnic minorities—have been on the rise. This trend has especially impacted books that are intended for young audiences. In 2023 alone, more than 1,900 attempts were made to ban books from school libraries in the United States.

Featuring a panel of authors whose books have been subject to bans, this event will examine the context surrounding the surge in calls to censor books that depict the lives of LGBTQ people. In addition, panelists will discuss potential policy solutions that could help protect free expression.