In 2022, I discussed the introduction of “Hide the Pride.” Begun by a Catholic advocacy group, this “motion” motivates individuals to petition the library to eliminate LGBTQ books from the collection and to take a look at all the LGBTQ books on Pride screens, specifically kids’s books, to keep them out of flow. Lots of people go an action even more, either concealing queer books within the library, declining to return the obtained books, or just taking them.
We’re now in the 3rd year of “Hide the Pride,” and libraries are still reporting this habits. Reserve restrictions on LGBTQ books have actually been on the increase for many years, and this is another censorship effort. I’m not going to invest at any time arguing why LGBTQ books ought to remain in the library– it ought to be a considered that queer individuals belong in town libraries, which queer households and kids must have representation of themselves in the products.
In some methods, “Hide the Pride” can backfire: missing out on books might be purchased once again, improving sales of queer books and keeping the exact same titles in flow. The increased check out numbers might even be utilized to reveal there’s need for LGBTQ books, which suggests buying more of them.
On the other hand, it’s demoralizing for curators who are currently combating an increase of book obstacles, typically being bothered for supplying varied books to clients. It’s all too simple for this to lead to peaceful censorship, where libraries choose that Pride shows simply aren’t worth the inconvenience. Library spending plans likewise may not enable replacements of a great deal of missing out on books, particularly if they are consistently taken.
What can we do as LGBTQ readers and their allies to combat censorship of Pride display screens? Kelly Jensen has a terrific guide for curators, so inspect that out to learn more. Here is my boiled-down, simply the bullet points variation for library users and staff members.
Our Queerest Shelves Newsletter
Register for bookish LGBTQ+ news and suggestions!
Thank you for registering! Watch on your inbox.
If your library has a Pride display screen, let them understand (face to face, through e-mail, by phone) that you value it and support it. This feedback is frequently tape-recorded and can be utilized as a defense if somebody grumbles. If your library does not have a Pride display screen, let them understand you wish to see one. All year, attend your library board conferences to reveal your assistance. And last but not least, you may wish to pass along Kelly Jensen’s guide to your library to assist them get ready for censorship efforts.
How Library Employees Can Fight Censorship of Pride Displays
Presume you’re going to get pushback and “Hide the Pride”-design reactions to display screens and strategy appropriately, even if it hasn’t occurred in previous years. Kelly has fantastic methods, like consisting of a shown print-out of each book cover behind the copy on your display screen, with a QR code that motivates individuals to put hangs on the title.
