Scholastic, a prominent book publisher, has launched the "Read with Pride" campaign. It will offer educators a curated list of LGBTQIA+ stories aimed at children and teens and pledge to combat local school districts and parents' efforts to regulate student content.
The campaign highlights statistics suggesting the prevalence of LGBTQIA+ identities among teens, emphasizing diversity within this community, including racial and gender diversity. The American Library Association reported a 92% increase in book bans in 2023. Furthermore, the report showed that 47% of the titles subjected to censorship attempts represent the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals.
The campaign's guide features a glossary introducing terms such as "allocishet" and "two-spirit," aiming to educate educators and promote inclusivity. The guide asserts that books and literature always carry a message and are not neutral. It suggests that by exposing children and young adults to queer literature, educators disrupt the assumption that cisgender, heterosexual, and allosexual identities are the norm. Instead, they promote an inclusive perspective that validates all children and people, encouraging expanded thinking and acceptance.
In their letter to educators, caregivers, and advocates, Scholastic emphasized the importance of accurate and inclusive representation of LGBTQIA+ identities in literature and the positive effects it may have on young people. These key figures play a vital role in creating an inclusive atmosphere and in the life-changing power of reading.
READ ALSO: Growing Bans on LGBTQ+ Books Reflect Historical Suppression of Queer Literature
Scholastic recognizes the difficulties and psychological strain that queer librarians and educators may experience when promoting LGBTQIA+ books. Resources and support for both queer and non-queer educators alike are provided. The book publisher expressed gratitude for the reader's efforts in supporting queer children and literature and encouraged self-care amidst potential challenges in advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
The guide expresses concerns about the removal of graphic material from school libraries and laments resistance to LGBTQIA+ representation in educational environments. It offers resources for mental health assistance and support in combating censorship. Scholastic's website showcases a selection of LGBTQIA+ children's books spanning various age ranges, from pre-k to young adult.
Scholastic's stance marks a shift from previous flexibility allowing schools to omit LGBTQIA+ topics from book fairs, with company president Ellie Berger vowing to support the sale of these materials despite school district policies.
This commitment follows recent controversies over sexually explicit content in K-12 curricula and libraries, including "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe and "Flamer," both containing explicit language and graphic depictions. Despite the authors' intentions, these works have made their way into public school libraries, which has sparked discussions about suitable teaching materials.
Kobabe's book topped the ALA's annual list of the 10 most challenged books of 2023 for the third year in a row. This graphic memoir, which followed the author's experiences with gender and sexuality from childhood to adult age, encountered challenges due to its LGBTQ themes and allegations of sexual explicitness.
The Scholastic "Read with Pride" campaign highlights the publisher's commitment to promoting varied narratives and opposing censorship efforts. It also mirrors larger societal arguments surrounding the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ content in educational settings.
RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Essential LGBTQ+ Kids Books to Celebrate Pride Month