Libraries won’t pull ‘transphobic’ books
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content and discovery Catherine Leonard said she understood the concerns the community had, but the books would not be withdrawn.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