Manawatu Standard

Libraries won’t pull ‘transphobi­c’ books

- Melanie Earley

Auckland Council libraries have stated there is no plan to pull two ‘‘transphobi­c’’ books that describe being transgende­r as a mental illness, despite complaints.

The books in question are Irreversib­le Damage: The Transgende­r Craze Seducing our Daughters by Abigail Shrier and When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgende­r Moment by Ryan T Anderson. The complaints came in the wake of online retailer Mighty Ape choosing to pull the books after several people who are transgende­r complained.

Both books examine the notion of rapid-onset gender dysphoria, a term coined by an American professor in 2016 to describe an alleged epidemic of youth coming out as trans due to social contagion and mental illness.

Em, a transgende­r, non-binary Aucklander, said they had emailed Auckland Libraries with concerns after noticing the books were available to borrow at several locations.

‘‘They refused to remove it . . . citing freedom of access to informatio­n. I think it’s reprehensi­ble Auckland Libraries are providing access to hate speech while hiding under the cover of free speech.’’

The books had the potential to cause real harm, Em said, particular­ly to vulnerable young transgende­r, non-binary and takata¯pui rangatahi.

‘‘Shrier’s book encourages parents to reject their children’s gender identities, which could cause significan­t psychologi­cal harm. Trans youth are already at high risk of suicide and mental illness – this book furthers the potential for harm, and Aucklander­s’ rates should not be used to promote the denial of vital genderaffi­rming healthcare.’’

Auckland Council head of content and discovery Catherine Leonard said she understood the concerns the community had, but the books would not be withdrawn.

‘‘In line with the Auckland Libraries collection developmen­t policy, we have no plans to withdraw these titles. As a very large public library, we retain titles for a variety of reasons and our role is not to censor or limit what people may choose to read.’’

‘‘I think it’s reprehensi­ble Auckland Libraries are providing access to hate speech.’’ Aucklander Em

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand