Media Matters
Why Judy Blume Forever’s Fight against Book Censorship Still Matters
First Amendment advocates fight growing number of U.S. book bans. More than 40% of book bans occurred in Florida, with 1,406 bans in the state.
Book Bans in schools jumped 33% last year. Censorship, educational intimidation bills and gag orders are all chilling the free exchange of ideas in classrooms, advocates say.
What’s Teaching About? Public School is the place to teach the contention of democracy, not censor it.
Organizers look back on first national coming out day. In 1988, at the height of the AIDS crisis, LGBTQ+ activists led by Jean O’Leary and the late Robert Eichberg organized the first National Coming Out Day, on the anniversary of 1987’s National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
Residents of Laramie, Wyoming reflect on the progress towards LGBTQ+ acceptance since the murder of Matthew Shepard. Laramie Pridefest and other organizations are planning a week of memorial events beginning on October 8th to mark the 25th Anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death.
At least two trans contestants to compete in the Miss Universe Pageant. Marina Machete, who currently holds the title of Miss Portugal, and Rikkie Valerie Kolle, currently Miss Netherlands, will both compete for the title of Miss Universe starting November 18th.