Yale LGBTQ Center Observes Banned Books Week to Combat Censorship

By Yale LGBTQ Center | Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Banned Books Week Sept 22-28, 2024

A National Effort to Combat Censorship

The Yale LGBTQ Center proudly joins other libraries in the national fight against censorship by observing Banned Books Week from September 22-28, 2024. The theme, “Freed Between the Lines,” emphasizes the critical role that books play in broadening our understanding of diverse identities, especially within LGBTQIA+ and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) spaces. With an alarming rise in book bans targeting marginalized voices, the Yale LGBTQ Center reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, advocacy, and intellectual freedom.

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 as a response to a surge in book challenges across libraries, schools, and bookstores. Today, these challenges continue, with a staggering 4,240 unique titles targeted for censorship in 2023, many of which feature LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices. By spotlighting these efforts, Banned Books Week promotes the freedom to seek and express diverse ideas, while also providing a platform for marginalized communities to be heard.

Samuel Byrd photograph

Samuel Neil Byrd serves as the Director and inaugural Stonewall Librarian at the Yale LGBTQ Center.

At Yale LGBTQ Center’s Stonewall Library, we’re proud to offer many of these challenged books to our community. The library serves as a sanctuary for free expression, housing critical queer, DEIB, and other often-banned materials that offer vital perspectives. In an era where censorship is on the rise, we stand as an unwavering ally to all those who seek the freedom to read, explore, and question.

As Ava DuVernay, this year’s Honorary National Chair for Banned Books Week, reminds us: “Books have the power to open minds and build bridges. This is why certain forces do not want the masses to engage with books. They fear progress and growth in new, bold directions.” We echo her sentiments in our advocacy and commitment to keeping these important works accessible.

2023 Sees Unprecedented Book Bans

The American Library Association reports a 65% rise in censorship attempts, targeting 4,240 titles in 2023—47% representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices.

Censorship by the Numbers

Top 10 Most Challenged Books Available at the Stonewall Library

In solidarity with those fighting to protect these narratives, the Yale LGBTQ Center’s Stonewall Library is proud to feature several of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023, as documented by the American Library Association (ALA). These works have faced widespread censorship attempts, but remain available in our collection for students, faculty, and staff to engage with.

We invite all members of the Yale community to visit the Stonewall Library, explore these challenged works, and join the conversation about the critical importance of intellectual freedom. Together, we can stand up against censorship and ensure that every story is told.

Beth wearing glasses

Elizabeth Duque is our inaugural Stonewall Student Librarian and helps maintain our collection and regularly hosts events for the Stonewall Library.

Get Involved

Throughout Banned Books Week, the Yale LGBTQ Center will feature many of these texts for you to explore.  Our student librarian Elizabeth also will be hosting an Art Against Censorship Bookmarking Event on Friday, September 27th from 4-5PM and we continue to take donations to our collection.  All supplies will be provided, so come ready to express your creativity and make you some new bookmarks! This event is open to all, so feel free to bring your friends and family to mix, mingle, and craft!  We encourage you to take part as you are able and to challenge censorship in your own communities. Let’s ensure that the voices of marginalized communities remain free and accessible to all.

For more information, and to learn how you can support the fight against censorship, visit the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week website at BannedBooksWeek.org

Art Against Censorship Event Visit our Library Collection
Stonewall Library at Yale LGBTQ Center