Celebrity Auction Aims to Put LGBTQ+ Books in Classrooms

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In an effort to fight against book censorship and advocate for inclusive education, over 30 celebrities have come together for a special cause. The virtual auction, organized by Pride and Less Prejudice, aims to raise $20,000 to send 1,600 free LGBTQ+-inclusive books to elementary schools across the U.S.

The #BannedTogether Auction

Pride and Less Prejudice is hosting its fourth annual #BannedTogether auction this weekend, coinciding with Banned Books Week. The event highlights the increasing number of book bans in schools, particularly those affecting LGBTQ+ and minority communities. The auction includes donations from various celebrities, including:

• Janelle Monáe (Singer)
• Daniel Radcliffe (Actor)
• Bobby Berk (Interior Designer)
• Billie Jean King (Tennis Legend)
• Jason Mraz (Singer)
• Big Freedia (Rapper)
• Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCreme, and Latrice Royale (Drag Queens)
• Lily Tomlin (Actress)
• Sara Bareilles (Musician)
• Hannah Gadsby and Margaret Cho (Comedians)
• Casey McQuiston (Author)

Celebrity Support and Impact

Rapper Big Freedia, one of the celebrity supporters, shared her enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to support Pride and Less Prejudice in their mission to bring LGBTQ+ inclusive books into classrooms and early education centers. As a young gay boy in New Orleans during the '80s, having access to a book that addressed these themes or featured LGBTQ+ characters would have profoundly impacted my life."

Rising Censorship Concerns

The need for such an initiative is growing, as over 10,000 books were banned from public schools in the 2023-2024 academic year, according to PEN America. Lisa Forman, founder of Pride and Less Prejudice, stated: "Pride and Less Prejudice is committed to ensuring that students have access to LGBTQ-inclusive books at school and in their libraries to see themselves and their families represented."

The auction will run through the weekend, raising funds and awareness to combat censorship and promote diverse, inclusive literature in classrooms.

Conclusion

This auction is a critical effort to address the ongoing censorship in public schools, especially concerning LGBTQ+ topics and other marginalized communities. With the support of prominent figures, Pride and Less Prejudice continues to make strides in ensuring every child has access to literature that reflects their experiences.

Event Details
Date: This Weekend (October 2023)
Time: Virtual Auction, All Day
Location: Online

Source: advocate