Call Me by Your Name
by André Aciman
Censorship Status
Banned in Removed from Hillsborough County, Florida; challenged nationwide
Reason: Gay romance, sexual content, age gap relationship
This acclaimed novel about a summer romance between two young men has been removed from Hillsborough County, Florida, and other districts over 'pornographic' content and LGBTQ+ themes. The book's lyrical exploration of first love and sexual awakening in a same-sex relationship has made it a target for Republican school boards implementing anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
Why Call Me by Your Name Was Banned
Censorship Concerns
This book was banned for challenging established norms and authority.
Specifically, Call Me by Your Name was targeted for: Gay romance, sexual content, age gap relationship. The book's themes and content were deemed threatening to the social, political, or religious order in Removed from Hillsborough County, Florida; challenged nationwide.
Why Read Call Me by Your Name Today?
- ✓ Historical Significance: Understand why this book was considered dangerous enough to ban.
- ✓ Intellectual Freedom: Support the right to read diverse perspectives and challenging ideas.
- ✓ Critical Thinking: Engage with ideas that authorities didn't want people to consider.
- ✓ Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into the fears and concerns of different societies and eras.
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Gender Queer
by Maia Kobabe
The #1 most banned book in America 2022-2024. This graphic memoir explores gender identity and what it means to be non-binary and asexual. Kobabe's honest depiction of gender dysphoria, sexual awakening, and the search for identity has made it the center of Republican-led censorship battles nationwide. The book's visual format and frank discussions of anatomy have particularly triggered conservative opposition.
And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
Based on a true story of two male penguins who hatched and raised a chick together at Central Park Zoo. This innocent children's book has been restored in Florida after a lawsuit but was previously removed under Governor DeSantis-era guidelines. The book's simple message about different types of families has made it a target for those opposing LGBTQ+ representation in schools.
Don't Let This Story Be Silenced
Support intellectual freedom by reading the books that challenged the powerful. Get your copy of Call Me by Your Name today and discover why it's still being banned.
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