This week, PFLAG hosted a panel at SXSW EDU examining the growing wave of book bans and the impact on LGBTQ+ stories in schools and libraries.
The session, “Beyond Bans: Defending LGBTQ+ Stories & Literary Freedom,” took place March 11 and streamed live on SXSW EDU’s YouTube channel. The conversation focused on the increasing censorship of books, authors and LGBTQ+ history and how educators, advocates and communities can respond.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of The 1619 Project, moderated the discussion. Panelists included bestselling author Casey McQuiston, American Library Association president Sam Helmick and Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National.
The event also marked the 53rd anniversary of PFLAG’s first meeting.
Book challenges have surged in recent years. Data from the American Library Association and PEN America tracked more than 6,870 challenges or removals of books from school and public libraries during the 2024–2025 school year. According to the organizations, many targeted titles addressed race, racism or LGBTQ+ topics, or were written by authors of color.
The ALA also reported that nearly 72% of book ban attempts tracked in 2024 came from organized pressure groups seeking changes to school or library policy rather than individual complaints.