Casey McQuiston and PFLAG National CEO Brian K. Bond Talk ‘Devastating Impacts’ of Book Bans on Kids (Exclusive)

A recent SXSW EDU panel titled “Beyond Bans: Defending LGBTQ+ Stories and Literary Freedom” held in Austin, Texas, highlighted the pressing issue of book censorship and its specific implications on LGBTQ+ youth. The panel, which took place on 11 March, featured a distinguished line-up of speakers including journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, bestselling author Casey McQuiston, American Library Association president Sam Helmick, and Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National.

In a conversation following the event, McQuiston and Bond shared insights into the detrimental effects that book banning has on young readers. “It’s not just about the act of banning books,” Bond explained. “It’s the underlying message it conveys.” He emphasised that these actions deny children the opportunity to see themselves reflected in literature, which can have a profoundly negative impact on their development and sense of identity.

The SXSW EDU panel aimed to confront the ongoing battle against censorship, shining a light on the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth throughout the United States. “We were grateful to engage with educators and festival goers who directly interact with queer students affected by these bans,” McQuiston stated in a phone interview. They expressed appreciation for the support from attendees who stand in solidarity with the movement against censorship.

McQuiston, known for their novels such as “Red, White & Royal Blue” and “I Kissed Sara Wheeler,” has personally experienced the ramifications of book bans. During the 2023-2024 school year, their work was flagged in over twenty school districts across the U.S. “As an author of queer and trans literature aimed at high school audiences, I feel a profound obligation to those readers,” McQuiston elaborated. They highlighted the joy and connection that young readers experience when they encounter literature that represents their identities or familiar aspects of their lives.

According to PEN America’s recent report, there were 6,870 recorded incidents of book bans during the 2024-2025 school year. While this figure reflects a decrease from the previous year’s total of 10,046, a significant proportion of the banned titles featured themes of race, sexuality, and gender identity. “This censorship fosters division and signals a homogenised notion of what narratives are deemed acceptable,” Bond warned, asserting that such practices are antithetical to the principles of freedom.

The efforts of PFLAG National, under Bond’s leadership, focus on defending the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals amidst various legislative pressures, like House Resolution 7661, which aims to restrict LGBTQ+ literature in public schools. In response to such movements, local chapters of PFLAG are proactively engaging in community dialogue by attending school board meetings to promote the importance of inclusive literature.

“There is a strong belief among most people that children deserve to feel safe and supported,” Bond continued. “The freedom to read should not be compromised; it is a critical aspect of the American experience.” He conveyed a sense of optimism regarding grassroots movements that rally to protect literary freedoms, insisting that advocacy is essential in these challenging times.

McQuiston and Bond encouraged readers to become active participants in the movement against book banning. “It’s essential for people to be informed and to support local educators and librarians who are on the frontline of this cause,” McQuiston stated. They underscored that awareness is key, and individuals can significantly contribute by joining book clubs, engaging with literary initiatives, or simply attending library board meetings to advocate for readers’ rights.

The resilience of young readers was a recurring theme during the discussion. McQuiston remarked on the capacity of these kids to persist and seek out literature despite barriers. “These young people are incredibly intelligent and adaptable,” they noted. “If they can access the books they desire, they will engage with literature even more fervently.”

Ultimately, the panel served not only as a platform for dialogue on the issue of book bans but also as an appeal for collective action in support of literary freedom. The message was clear: the battle against censorship is a shared responsibility that demands the involvement of all sectors of society in order to ensure that diverse voices and stories continue to be heard.