straight for equality
Something to Talk About: February 2018

Looking for ways to keep the conversation going about LGBTQ+ issues with your ERG, community group, or PFLAG chapter? Welcome to Something to Talk About a monthly series designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality program to create conversation about LGBTQ+ issues. Each month we’ll offer an article on LGBTQ+ topics and suggest a few questions you can use to lead a discussion.

Have feedback about how your conversation went? Let us know by e-mailing [email protected].

Drive to ban library books with LGBTQ content erupts in Orange City

Source:  Des Moines Register

Author: Mike Kilen

Questions for Discussion:

  1. Growing up, did you have access to LGBTQ+ inclusive literature at the local library? If so, how did that make you feel? If not, do you think having access to such materials would have changed anything for you?
     
  2. Based on your personal experience, why do you think that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content at the public library has caused such a strong community reaction?
     
  3. In the article, one proposed solution would label and separate the 168 books that feature LGBTQ+ content. In your opinion, is this an option that should be considered? Why or why not?

Did you know?

The American Library Association clearly states:

“The American Library Association stringently and unequivocally maintains that libraries and librarians have an obligation to resist efforts that systematically exclude materials dealing with any subject matter, including sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.”  

It also has a standing GLBT Roundtable, has offered the Stonewall Book Award since 1971, and releases the ALA Rainbow Booklist every year!