Panel: Shall I Tell You A Story? Banning of LGBTQIA Children's and YA Books

A panel of authors and librarians discuss the effects of organized book challenges on families, communities and creative work.

Authors Lesléa Newman (Heather Has Two Mommies) and Maggie Tokuda-Hall (Love In the Library), are joined by Lindsay Klemas, School Library Coordinator, Queens (New York City School Library System) and Haley Hall, Charleston County Public Library Deputy Director of Operations (Charleston, South Carolina) to discuss the impact of book challenges and how each of us can support the 2026 Banned Books Week theme: "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read." Moderated by Dan Hendrick from The Publishing Triangle.

Published in 1989, Heather Has Two Mommies, is the sweet story of a young girl who learns that she, and her same-sex parents, are like any other family bonded by love. It was one of the most banned books of its time. Fast forward thirty-seven years. In 2026, Children’s and YA titles are still the most targeted for book banning in school districts and public libraries nationwide—and most are stories that center LGBTQ+ identities, gender, and the experiences of people of color.

Included in the program is a reading of Heather Has Two Mommies with celebrity readers: Alison Bechdel (author), Honey Davenport (Ru Paul's Drag Race, Season 11), Judy Grahn (author, poet), Lev A.C. Rosen (author), and Be Steadwell (musician, playwright, author).

The Publishing Triangle champions the visibility, inclusion, and advancement of LGBTQ+ writers, editors, publishers, and literary professionals. Through advocacy, awards, and community programming, we celebrate queer voices and promote readership, preserve our literary heritage, and foster a publishing industry that reflects the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences.