By Tom St. Myer
Frustrated that West Florida Public Libraries recently moved two LGBTQ+ books from the juvenile section, four LGBTQ+ members and a concerned parent traveled to the outskirts of the county Monday to speak at the WFPL Board of Governance meeting at the Southwest Branch.
“Grandad’s Pride” and “Not He, Not She, I’m Me” were moved from the juvenile section at libraries even though the content reading for both is juvenile. Escambia County Public Information Officer Andie Gibson said the decision to move the books was made by Todd Humble, director of library services.
“Given the overwhelming number of bans and restrictions on children’s books in Florida this year alone, it’s vital for a community like ours to take a firm stance against these attacks on literacy and education,” Girasol Alfonso said to the board members.
“We are asking you today to stand with the children whose lives are represented in the books you have restricted. Opposing these children are groups and individuals who swear their mission is to protect the children, but pursue smear campaigns against literature that makes (children) feel less isolated. Their mission is not to protect children, it’s to divide them.”
“Grandad’s Pride” is a story about a grandson discovering a pride flag in his grandad’s attic. They then start a pride parade in their small town which gathers to help “build a world where everyone is proud to be themselves.” The book includes an illustration of two men kissing while wearing bondage gear. “Grandad’s Pride” is available at the Molino Branch; Pensacola Library; Southwest Branch; Tryon Branch and Westside Branch in the adult non-fiction section.
“Given that they are LGBTQ children’s books we do believe they belong in the children’s section,” said Devin Cole, president of Socialist Trans Initiative, or STRIVE. “I know there’s been some concern over images in the book of Grandad’s Pride, but we do believe that’s not a big enough issue to warrant restricting access to certain children.”
“Not He, Not She, I’m Me” is about a non-binary experience that is illustrated through a typical day of the main character. The story reminds readers of gender neutral pronouns and affirms the identities of non-binary children. The book is only available at the Pensacola Library in the parent/teacher section.
“It’s a fun, regular children’s book that I wish I would have had when I was younger and isolated,” Alfonso said. “The only reason that book was restricted is because it features an unbinary child. My question is, is my existence inappropriate? Because that’s what the decision is implying.”
The board did not discuss the two books during the meeting. Cole submitted an appeal and pushed for the board to reconsider the decision at its next board meeting on August 26 at the Molino Branch.
“I’ll provide back the comment on the materials they asked to be re-evaluated,” Humble said to Cole. “I already know what your decision is so it’ll be on next month’s agenda.”
Cole said moving books from the juvenile section is a slippery slope that leads to books being removed. Ryan Bissonneete cautioned the board to consider the ramifications.
“If we remove things constantly, then children aren’t exposed to what the world actually is,” Bissonneete said.
