As the authors and illustrators of the books named in Mahmoud v. Taylor, we believe the Supreme Court’s ruling today threatens students’ access to diverse books and undermines teachers’ efforts to create safe, inclusive classrooms. To treat children’s books about LGBTQ+ characters differently than similar books about non-LGBTQ+ characters is discriminatory and harmful. This decision will inevitably lead to an increasingly hostile climate for LGBTQ+ students and families, and create a less welcoming environment for all students.
We created our books for all children. We believe young people need to see themselves and families like theirs in the books they read; this is especially true for LGBTQ+ children and LGBTQ+ families. And all children need to learn how to share their classrooms and communities with people different from themselves. Books can help them understand one another and learn to treat each other with acceptance, kindness and respect.
We know there are families and educators across the country who are committed to creating inclusive classrooms that meet the needs of the diverse groups of students in their school districts. We are with them in spirit as they work to ensure that all students are seen and supported.
We will continue to support LGBTQ+ families and children everywhere and advocate for the right of all students to read freely. We strongly disagree with the Court’s decision.
Sarah Brannen, author of Uncle Bobby’s Wedding
Chris Case, illustrator of Jacob’s Room to Choose
Charlene Chua, illustrator of Love, Violet
LaToya Council, author of IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All
Daniel Haack, author of Prince & Knight
Ian Hoffman, author of Jacob’s Room to Choose
Sarah Hoffman, author of Jacob’s Room to Choose
Stevie Lewis, illustrator of Prince & Knight
Katherine Locke, author of What Are Your Words?
Julie McLaughlin, illustrator of Pride Puppy
DeShanna Neal, author of My Rainbow
Andy Passchier, illustrator of What Are Your Words?
Jodie Patterson, author of Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
Chelsea Johnson Rabb, author of IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All
Ashley Seil Smith, illustrator of IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All
Robin Stevenson, author of Pride Puppy
Art Twink, illustrator of My Rainbow
Charlotte Sullivan Wild, author of Love, Violet