The Truth About Book Banning with Reads With Rachel

You might think book banning is a thing of the past, but it is happening now in communities all over the United States. Today on We Read Smut, we're pulling back the curtain on this critical issue with a special guest, Rachel of Reads with Rachel. Join us as we demystify what book banning really is, who it targets, and what we as parents, readers, and lovers of smut can do to make a difference in our local communities.

Rachel is a passionate book content creator and the force behind Reads with Rachel. Her journey into advocacy began when she saw books being challenged in her own county, prompting her to use her platform to fight back against censorship. With a direct, no-nonsense approach, Rachel educates her audience on the insidious tactics used to limit access to books and empowers them with actionable ways to defend the freedom to read.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• What "book banning" truly means and how it's a slow, incremental process of removing access, not just a federal ban.
• The insidious link between banning books and trying to erase the existence of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ people.
• Examples of the kinds of books being targeted, from queer picture books to poetry and even young adult fiction.
• How these censorship efforts, while starting in schools and libraries, will eventually impact adult readers and smut books.

Feeling fired up and ready to fight back? Listen to the full episode for concrete actions you can take to support your local libraries and defend the freedom to read! Follow Rachel on YouTube at Reads with Rachel, and join her Julie Hates This Book Club for more conversation and fun.

CONNECT WITH READS WITH RACHEL:

YouTube

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson (Amazon)

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (Amazon)

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson (Amazon)

Milk and Honey by Ruby Carr (Amazon)

Ban this Book by Alan Gratz (Amazon)

Katie the Catsitter 2 by Colleen AF Venable (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.