Whether or not to move “Gender Queer: a Memoir” by Maia Kobabe from the young adult section in the Taylor Public Library was the main agenda item for library’s advisory board meeting Aug. 8.
The book, which recalls the author’s personal story of dealing with gender identity, has led to conflict between LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and opposing parties concerning its content and importance.
The advisory board passed a motion to advise the library’s director, Karen Ellis, to move the book to a section designated for adults. Ultimately, Ellis will have the final say on if the book remains in the young adult section, moves to another section or any other action.
“I feel like we should keep the book,” board member Vickie Thornton said before the vote. “I think it does have a purpose, but I think it should be maybe moved to another section or an adult section.”
Prior to the advisory board’s recommendation, citizens who wished to speak on the issue were allotted three minutes each to comment.
Many of the meeting participants who were against the book gave their speaking time to Kevin Stuart. Stuart, an assistant professor of political science at the University of St. Thomas, was against “Gender Queer” being near the children’s section.
Stuart, along with many opposed to the book, view the book’s illustrations as pornographic.
Although the book is not located in what the library lists as a children’s section, those against the book say it is easy for children to interact with it in the current set up.
“It is our job as the adults in their lives to protect children from that harm,” Stuart said. “We have to do that job as a community, not just as parents.”
Meanwhile, proponents of “Gender Queer” believe the book has the potential to be important for young teens going through body dysmorphia and gender identity.
Alex Cuervo, owner of local bookstore Curio Mrvosa, says the distributor his library works with has labeled “Gender Queer” as meant for ages 16 and up.
Additionally, he said children can access more pornographic materials on cellphones than they ever could in the book.
“This book is not pornography,” Cuervo said. “Regardless of that, we cannot erase from public life every single thing that someone might find offensive in the fear that their children might stumble across it. That’s not how a free society works.”
Ellis will send her official response on a decision about “Gender Queer” in a letter to each person who sent an application for reconsideration of library materials before July 17.
The advisory board’s next meeting is Sept. 12.
