banned books about sexuality in the united states

One of the ways governments control their people is through the censorship of certain media that conveys messages that the governments do not want their citizens to consume. These books have been challenged or removed primarily in the United States, often in school districts and libraries.

The reasons for bans typically include:

• Explicit Content: Sexual scenes and language deemed inappropriate for certain age groups.

• LGBTQ+ Themes: Content related to LGBTQ+ identities and relationships.

• Educational Concerns: Discussions on sexual education and gender identity considered unsuitable for young readers.

It is important to exercise our freedom of expression and therefore our freedom to consume whatever media we would like.

For more information on book bands and to support freedom of expression:

American Library Association's Banned Books Week

PEN America's Report on Book Bans

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Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

Themes: Family dynamics, sexual identity.

Banned in: Some U.S. high school curricula.

Reasons: Challenged for its sexually explicit nature.

Forever by Judy Bloom

Themes: Teenage sexuality, relationships.

Banned in: Various U.S. schools.

Reasons: Challenged for its sexual content and discussions of teen sexuality.

Flamer by Mike Curato

Themes: Self-discovery, bullying, sexuality.

Banned in: School districts in Utah, Texas, and Oregon.

Reasons: Challenged for LGBTQ+ content and considered to be sexuality explict.

This Books is Gay by Juno Dawson

Themes: LGBTQ+ identities, sexual education.

Banned in: Multiple U.S. school districts.

Reasons: Challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQ+ content

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

Themes: Black queer identity, coming-of-age, consent.

Banned in: At least 10 U.S. states.

Reasons: Challenged for LGBTQ+ content, profanity, and considered to be sexually explicit.

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

Themes: Nonbinary identity, asexuality, gender exploration.

Banned in: Over 50 U.S. school districts.

Reasons: Challenged for LGBTQ+ content and considered to have sexually explicit images.

Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin

Themes: Transgender teens' experiences.

Banned in: Various U.S. schools and libraries.

Reasons: Challenged for LGBTQ+ content and considered to be sexually explicit.

The Family Book by Todd Parr

Themes: Family diversity, same-sex parents.

Banned in: School districts in Illinois and Florida.

Reasons: Challenged for stating "some families have two moms or two dads."

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Themes: Same-sex parenting in animals.

Banned in: Numerous U.S. schools and libraries.

Reasons: Challenged forits depiction of homosexuality.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Themes: Middle school, theater, LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Banned in: Numerous U.S. schools.

Reasons: Challenged for inclusion of LGBTQ= characters.