When a young person sees themselves in a story, it sends a powerful message: You belong. 

But in Maryland, a group challenged books that feature LGBTQ people—books that were reviewed and approved by educators and meant to reflect the beautiful diversity of today’s classrooms. 

Unfortunately, the Supreme Court recently sided with the group and required an opt-out for when LGBTQ inclusive storybooks will be used in public schools. This not only makes it difficult for educators but could trigger a nationwide surge in book bans, threatening thousands of LGBTQ stories.  

These attacks aren’t random—they’re part of a deliberate, coordinated effort to silence queer voices and erase LGBTQ people from schools, libraries, and public life.