The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has introduced it’s programming for Banned Books Week 2022, which kicks off on Sunday, September 18. As a part of this yr’s message “Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us”, the CBLDF has two events highlighting the challenges in opposition to LGBTQ+ comedian books, spotlighting the latest authorized battle of Maia Kobabe‘s 2019 debut graphic memoir Gender Queer.
The previous yr has been a headline-grabbing one for graphic novels being challenged, delisted and banned. 2021 noticed Kobabe’s Gender Queer high the American Library Association’s most challenged guide record, normally on the grounds of “LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images”. It made it again into the information just a few weeks in the past when one such problem was struck down in a Virginia courtroom. There was one other furor that kicked off 2022 with Art Spiegelman‘s Maus (albeit not for LGBTQIA+ content material). All an ideal reminder of why Banned Books Week is critical to spotlight the sanctity of freedom of speech and expression within the US.
CBLDF stated,
“This Sunday, September 18, marks the beginning of Banned Books Week 2022. As a proud Banned Books Week Coalition member, we hope you’ll be part of us!
“CBLDF is internet hosting a digital occasion Monday at midday Eastern with an unique look behind the latest victory defending Gender Queer in Virginia. Join Maia’s illustration, Jeff Trexler and Steven Emmert, in dialogue as they provide an insider’s perspective of the obscenity case.
“Thursday night time, be part of us for The Censorship of LGBTQ+ Comic Books with Maia Kobabe and Mike Curato. CBLDF can be co-moderating this occasion with fellow Banned Books Week Coalition member PFLAG. Details for each events are beneath.
“Banned Books Week runs from September 18 through September 24. The week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, students, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas. “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.””
Banned Books Week has been operating over the last full week of September since 1982. According to their web site:
“[Banned Books Week was started] in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.”
The nonprofit Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) has been in existence since 1986 with the categorical intention to guard the First Amendment rights of creators, publishers and retailers – normally be serving to cowl authorized bills. It is considered one of Banned Books Week’s sponsors.
Here are this yr’s CBLDF events at Banned Books Week:
Monday, September 19, 2022 — 12 p.m. Eastern
Gender Queer in Virginia Beach: A Case Study [Register here]
“Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer: A Memoir achieved resounding victory in the Virginia courts. Join CBLDF for an inside look at the case from Maia’s legal representation in Virginia Beach, Jeff Trexler and Steven Emmert. Learn the roots of the case, its progression through the legal system, and why the case was dismissed. This event is a great chance to learn about the legal process of defending books from censorship and how CBLDF can help protect our freedoms.”
Thursday, September 22, 2022 — 5 p.m. Eastern
The Censorship of LGBTQ+ Comic Books with Maia Kobabe and Mike Curato [Livestream on Facebook]
“Comic books have been targeted by censors for decades, from 1954 Senate subcommittee hearings about their alleged link to juvenile delinquency, to the implementation of a content code that nearly destroyed the industry, to today’s widespread attacks on comics, especially those that share the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals. Join the creators of two of today’s most acclaimed and frequently censored graphic novels — Maia Kobabe (Gender Queer) and Mike Curato (Flamer) — for a conversation about the attempts to censor their work and LGBTQ+ stories. Greg Rokisky, Social Media and Digital Content Manager at PFLAG National, and Jordan Smith, Digital Editor at Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, will lead the conversation.”
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