10 recently banned books by Queer & POC authors— and where they’re getting pulled
Books open minds—but some want them closed.
Across the country, a rising tide of book bans is silencing stories that confront race, gender, and sexuality—many penned by LGBTQ+ authors and writers of color. These aren’t just pages under fire; they’re lived experiences, truths, and identities. Here are ten powerful books recently pulled from shelves, and the places where their presence sparked controversy.
1. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
This memoir asserting Black queer joy and trauma became one of the most banned books in the U.S. Banned/challenged in Texas and Utah school districts
2. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
A groundbreaking nonbinary memoir-camera banned more than any other title in schools. Removed from libraries in Maine and Keller ISD (TX).
3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
A classic portrayal of internalized racism continues drawing censorship. Banned in Missouri schools.
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Pulled in some regions over claims it portrays “anti-police” sentiment. Challenged in Kansas schools.
5. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
This YA novel about racism and forbidden love was removed for graphic content.
6. This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
An LGBTQ+ teen guidebook banned for “explicit sexual content.” Challenged in several districts.
7. The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
Reframing U.S. history through the lens of slavery has provoked state-level bans. Removed from curricula in certain states.
8. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
A coming-of-age tale about class, race, and sexuality, targeted (but retained) in New Jersey schools.
9. Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) by L.C. Rosen
A sex-positive gay teen novel widely banned for “explicit content.” Included in districts targeting LGBTQ+ YA titles.
10. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Pulled for profanity and sexual content, despite the author being queer. Frequently challenged though less commonly removed entirely.
The Takeaway
These challenged books aren’t obscure—they’re powerful narratives full of truth and diverse perspectives. Their removal raises an important question: whose stories do we value? If anything, these bans show how badly we need the conversations these authors are starting.
Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Sexuality? How To Keep It All Straight.
Gender identity is a profoundly personal aspect of self, encompassing a diverse range of experiences and expressions that extend beyond traditional definitions. While some individuals identify within the binary of male or female, many others find themselves outside or between these categories. Here are some of the most commonly recognized gender identities within the binary and non-binary spectrums.
READ: Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Sexuality? How To Keep It All Straight.
