In recent years, several states have enacted bans on queer books, citing unsubstantiated claims ranging from content deemed inappropriate to concerns about age-appropriateness. These bans have restricted access to diverse and affirming literature for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to feelings of erasure and marginalization, and hindered the representation and visibility of queer identities, which is crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance.
In this episode, Alexander Rigby, a New York Times Bestselling Editor at Penguin Random House and curator of the publisher’s LGBTQ+ Network, joins us to discuss the impacts of queer book bans on LGBTQ+ people, how Penguin Random House is continuing to promote queer voices, and ways the LGBTQ+ community can support queer authors and push back against unjust book bans.
Related Episodes:
• Listen to Episode 95. Take a Page from #GayBookstagram (with Rod Lujano) (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/95-take-a-page-from-gaybookstagram-with-rod-lujano/id1619338054?i=1000650468569)
• Listen to Episode 101. Sci-Fi: The Future is Queer (with TQ Sims) (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/101-sci-fi-the-future-is-queer-with-tq-sims/id1619338054?i=1000654786064)
Additional Resources:
• Learn More About Alexander Rigby (https://www.arigby.com/)
• Follow Alexander on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alexandermrigby/)
• Follow Penguin Random House LGBTQ+ Network on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/prhlgbtq/)
• Check Out Pride in Your Words (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/pride-in-your-words/)
• Follow Penguin Random House on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/penguinrandomhouse/)
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