Happy National School Librarian Day
Librarians have had a difficult few years, let’s show them our appreciation
First, a big thank you
I want to give a special shout-out to our school librarians, as well as all librarians who have been victims of the bigotry and ignorance coming from right-wing extremists, transphobes, and other hateful, uneducated individuals.
They’ve endured public controversy, underhanded tactics, misrepresentation of their work and intentions (in some cases outright lies in order to fear-monger and incite distrust), and suppression of their ability to share the love of reading with students and youth.
Our librarians don’t have an “agenda”, other than to provide students (and anyone) with information and literature they seek. They are not trying to “indoctrinate”, they are not trying to influence or push anything on anyone. They are literally just trying to help kids find books when they come to the library looking for them. That’s their goal, that’s their job.
The librarians I’ve met and spoken with love doing this for the simple reason they love their work and want to share the love of reading with others. They want to create inclusive, welcoming environments where anyone and everyone can access books.
Stooping to new lows
Trying to throw librarians under the proverbial bus when they’re simply doing their jobs is a new underhanded tactic. The bigots keep trying to disguise their transphobia and bigotry in different packages, but we all see right through it.
They misrepresent the facts, including misrepresenting the criminal code of Canada and the content of books, because they know they won’t even get in the door if their true goals were revealed.
They don’t want people learning about 2s+LGBTQ people, issues, and sexuality. They believe learning about these things makes them more likely to become gay or trans themselves, and they’re afraid of their children becoming something (someone) they hate.
If you’ve ever met children and youth, you know very well they are their own people with their own minds. No one can “make” or “turn” someone else into someone they’re not. Conversations, books, and curriculum which celebrate diversity and make all people feel welcome and included save lives.
Some bigots mock that statement, but anyone who has bothered to read anything about the suicide and murder rates in the 2s+LGBTQ community (especially trans youth) know the truth. Feeling “othered”, rejected, feeling like your own existence is taboo and can’t be acknowledged in school, knowing certain bigoted community members wish you didn’t exist… that puts youth at significant risk.
Lastly, bigoted parents are the ones indoctrinating their children. They’re teaching their children to hate people who don’t subscribe to their narrow views of relationships, sexuality, gender, self-expression, etc. They’re the ones harming children. Their kids go to school and take that hate out on the most vulnerable and marginalized. They become hateful bullies like their parents, thus perpetuating the cycle of bigotry and ignorance.
Don’t put other people’s children at risk just because you refuse to acknowledge your own phobias. Go to therapy, educate yourself, do something productive, rather than attacking librarians, teachers, and others who simply want to create more inclusive and welcoming environments.
But I digress… (as usual)
Apologies librarians, that turned into a rant unexpectedly.
I want to express how much I appreciate the work of librarians and other community members who work hard to make schools, community institutions, libraries, and their homes more welcoming and inclusive places.
Thank you.
© Jillian Enright, Neurodiversity MB
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References
Johns, M. M., Lowry, R., Andrzejewski, J., Barrios, L. C., Zewditu, D., McManus, T., et al. (2019). Transgender identity and experiences of violence victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk behaviors among high school student–19 states and large urban school districts, 2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(3), 65–71. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6803a3
The Trevor Project. (2024, January 1). Facts About Suicide Among LGBTQ+ Young People. LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources. [Research article].
Virupaksha, H. G., Muralidhar, D., & Ramakrishna, J. (2016). Suicide and Suicidal Behavior among Transgender Persons. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 38(6), 505–509. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.194908
As a former deputy school librarian, I thank you for this.