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San Francisco Bookstore Sends LGBTQ+ Books to Banned States
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Becka Robbins operates "Books Not Bans" from Fabulosa Books in San Francisco's Castro District. She ships LGBTQ+ books to states that have banned them. Robbins utilizes customer donations to dispatch books that explore queer history, sexuality, and romance. From July 2022 to June 2023, over 40% of book bans occurred in Florida, with Texas and Missouri following closely.
Book bans have reached unprecedented levels, impacting both school and public libraries. PEN America notes that 30% of banned books feature characters of color or address race, and another 30% contain LGBTQ+ themes. Conservative groups such as Moms for Liberty advocate for these bans, citing sexually explicit content, although 38% of their objections relate to LGBTQ+ themes.
So far, Robbins has distributed 740 books, each valued between $300 and $400. At the Rose Dynasty Center in Lakeland, Florida, these donated books have found a place on the shelves. Jason DeShazo, a drag queen who manages the center, strives to offer a safe haven and a collection of banned books.
Robbins prefers to send young adult queer romances, a genre that is expanding and reflecting broader discussions about LGBTQ+ topics. These books depict ordinary kids—ordinary people who happen to be queer—experiencing love and happiness.
| Scores | Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Objectivity | 4 | Balances viewpoints but slightly favors LGBTQ+ advocacy. |
| Social Impact | 5 | Significantly influences public opinion on book bans. |
| Credibility | 5 | Solid evidence from credible sources like PEN America. |
| Potential | 5 | High potential to trigger larger discussions on censorship. |
| Practicality | 4 | Highly practical in directly addressing book bans. |
| Entertainment Value | 3 | Some entertainment in highlighting a unique initiative. |