As UK Schools Face Growing LGBTQ+ Book Bans, Miami’s Pridelines Responds with Over 100 Queer Titles in Its LGTQ Lending Library

In the United Kingdom, a recent survey revealed that more than two dozen school librarians have been asked to remove LGBTQ-themed books from their shelves, raising alarm over increasing censorship of queer literature in educational settings. Notable titles such as This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson and Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love have been specifically targeted, reflecting a larger global trend of restricting queer stories in schools.

This rising censorship echoes similar movements worldwide, including in Florida, where LGBTQ+ books are being removed from public school libraries. The School Library Association in the UK has responded by urging schools to establish clear policies to address these challenges, ensuring that diverse literature remains available to students.

Amid this growing pressure to ban LGBTQ+ books, Miami’s Pridelines has launched an initiative to preserve access to queer literature through its LGTQ Lending Library. The library, which now houses over 100 LGBTQ-themed books, offers a sanctuary for stories that have been banned or challenged. The initiative, known as the Project SAFE Library, has become a critical resource for the local LGBTQIA+ community, especially as book bans in Florida have gained momentum.

Nicolle Nyariri, Director of Communications for Pridelines, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, "Our LGTQ Lending Library is more than just a collection of banned books—it’s a radical act of resistance. By offering these stories, we are unapologetically celebrating the lives, struggles, and triumphs of queer people everywhere. In a time when our identities are being silenced, this library ensures that our voices remain loud, proud, and impossible to erase."

Pridelines’ LGTQ Lending Library highlights the organization's dedication to inclusivity, safeguarding free expression, and ensuring access to LGBTQ+ literature. At a time when queer stories are increasingly under threat, this initiative serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for those seeking representation and affirmation through literature.