Settlement Allows Teachers to Discuss Sexual Orientation in Florida Classrooms
“This is a step in the right direction, but the fight against this dangerous law continues-- learning about diverse families should not be off-limits in Florida schools,” said Katie… More
Prohibition of LGBTQ+ Books by Alabama Library Makes a “Mockery” of Free Expression
“The Autauga-Prattville Public Library’s newly appointed board is making a mockery of freedom of expression,” said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America. “We are alarmed… More
PEN America Urges Texas School to Reverse Decision to Kick Trans Student Out of Lead Role in Musical Oklahoma!
“This is a cruel decision guided by a ‘criteria’ that the district admits is applied unevenly. It is yet another example of threats to free expression for LGBTQ+ students,… More
Threat by Tennessee Prosecutor to Enforce Drag Performance Ban at Pride Festival Poses a “Grave Threat” to Free Expression
“Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act poses a grave threat to the free expression of drag artists and LGBTQ+ Tennesseans more broadly. Even further, it is likely unconstitutional—as stated by a… More
PEN America on Drag Story Hour Shutting Down Miami Chapter: A “Sadly Predictable” Outcome Due to Anti-LGBTQ Laws in Florida
"Florida’s state-endorsed censorship disrupts the power of art to cultivate connection and unjustly vilifies the LGBTQ community. Free expression in Florida is under threat—and the impact won’t just remain… More
In Christian Evangelical Web Designer Case, PEN America Voices Concern that Supreme Court Ruling Overlooks Risk of Legitimizing Unlawful Discrimination in the Name of Religious Freedom
"As a free expression organization, PEN America stands against efforts to censor speakers on the basis of viewpoint or to compel speech. When a business entity offering a public… More
PEN America Condemns Censorship and Intimidation at LGBTQ Pride Events in Türkiye
“The decision by the Kadıköy District Governorship to ban events such as a Pride Month film screening and arrest attendees, and to ban a separate ‘tea and talk’ event,… More
“Misguided and Chilling” Decision by CA School Board to Fire Superintendent, Following Removal of Textbook Over Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Rights History, Says PEN America
Allison Lee, director of PEN America’s Los Angeles office, made the following comments: “By firing Dr. McClay, the Temecula board has sent a chilling message to the ranks of teachers… More
6/22 Miami Screening of No Straight Lines Film–About Five Influential Queer Comic Book Artists—in Pride Month Celebration Hosted by PEN Across America and Artists at Risk Connection
The screening will be followed by a talkback moderated by acclaimed film critic and arts programmer Juan Barquin, featuring the film’s director Vivian Kleiman and comic book creator and… More