Fight Censorship With The Banned Books Brigade

Hello,

 

My name is MJ Lawton, and I am one of the founding members of The Banned Books Brigade of Colchester, CT. The BBB is a grassroots team formed in response to our town's first selectman removing a book from our public library without sound reason and without following the library review process. The book was a children's biography of legendary and inspiring LGBTQIA+ icon, RuPaul, called "Who is RuPaul?" that was in the library's Pride Month display. The reason for removal cited by the politician was a "sexually provocative drawing," which, in truth, is no more sexually provocative than many female superhero costumes. Might it be that the issue was less about the outfit and more about the individual wearing it?

Regardless, this was our call to action! Our concept is simple: raise funds to purchase and distribute intersectional, diverse, and inclusive literature to the youth in our community. We will be partnering with small bookstores owned by diverse individuals to purchase the books in bulk, serving a dual purpose - support small, diverse-owned businesses AND enrich our children's collection of literature with stories from all walks of life. The books we purchase will be free of charge to our community. We will not allow bigotry and hatred to suppress access to literature or appreciation of the diversity our world has to offer.

 

They may try to ban, blight, or burn our books, but the only thing we want burning is the patriarchy.

 

With Gratitude, Determination, and Outrage,

 

MJ Lawton and the Banned Books Brigade of Colchester