Defend LGBTQ+ Voices: A Digital Library Breaks Barriers
When 32-year-old Lundstrom heard about a book that resonated with their identity, they realized there was a significant lack of representation in the literature world. To fill this void, they teamed up with a small group of volunteers in 2019 to build an expansive online library of books by and about LGBTQ+ people, freely available to everyone in the United States.
According to Kieran Hickey, the founder and CEO of this virtual literary haven called Queer Liberation Library (QLL), it's crucial to confront the rising concerns surrounding the censorship of LGBTQ+ stories in U.S. schools. Queer individuals often face barriers in obtaining such literature due to social, economic, and political pressures. Therefore, Hickey set out to create a space that dismantles these barriers by offering queer literature across the country.
With over 2,300 members signing up since its launch in October 2020, QLL has thousands of e-books and audiobooks, each embodying LGBTQ+ culture and experiences. With the potential to change lives and expand perspectives, the QLL has become a vital resource for the LGBTQ+ community in America, offering stories that foster understanding, acceptance, and self-discovery.
A Haven for Banned Books
Banning books that feature LGBTQ+ characters and stories has been increasingly common in the last few years. Since 2012, the American Library Association (ALA) reports that book challenges reached an all-time high in 2022 with over 30% of the challenged books focusing on LGBTQ+ content. In a similar vein, PEN America has spearheaded legal challenges to protect literary freedom, noting that the censorship of titles addressing race, racism, and LGBTQ+ identities undermines the first amendment.
QLL provides a solution to this issue by unveiling a wide range of challenged titles, including works like "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe and "All Boys Are Not Blue" by George M. Johnson. However, it's not just a haven for controversial content. QLL also curates a collection of books that range from queer horror to Native American folklore and beyond.
Gaining Access in All Spaces
Online libraries open up new opportunities for access when physical spaces may be prohibitive. By avoiding the constraints of location, QLL becomes a more inclusive resource for anyone seeking LGBTQ+ stories. It's not only ideal for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ but also for LGBTQ+ allies, parents interested in children's literature, and anyone eager to gain a deeper understanding of diverse experiences.
In addition to offering accessibility, QLL is also incredibly user-friendly. The platform is free to use and accessible through the Overdrive site or app, which is used by many public libraries to store digital collections. Moreover, QLL also features an "Emergency Exit" button, ensuring that users can leave the site without a trace if they feel uncomfortable navigating LGBTQ+ content in certain environments.
While this initiative may not provide the cozy, browsing experience of traditional bookstores, it excels in making literature resources accessible and private, offering solace to those who may feel uncomfortable exploring LGBTQ+ topics in public spaces.
Pushing Back Against Stigmatization
The act of banning books can strengthen the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ individuals and further alienate them from mainstream society. Prominent figures, like GLAAD president Ellis, have been vocal in raising concerns about how the removal of LGBTQ+ stories can perpetuate exclusion and discrimination. Ellis emphasizes that such actions reinforce doubts in children and young adults that they belong in the community.
QLL plays an essential role in countering stigmatization by providing a platform where visitors feel represented and valued. Queer individuals and allies alike have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the library's vast collection.
A Catalyst for Change
By offering accessible, inclusive, and private LGBTQ+ literature, the Queer Liberation Library has become an indispensable resource for individuals who may have difficulty obtaining such stories elsewhere. Though the library is not mentioned in the provided sources, there are various national initiatives and legal challenges addressing book bans and censorship impacting LGBTQ+ communities.
In the United States, organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) and PEN America have played vital roles in documenting banned books, raising awareness of censorship, and advocating for the freedom to read. Some communities also face significant challenges in stocking comprehensive LGBTQ+ collections, but online platforms like QLL can help bridge this gap and offer more opportunity for queer representation in literature.
