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To the editor:
It's been two years since the public debate began over LGBTQIA+ books in the collection of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County. The library board has remained committed to providing materials inclusive of all people, including that community and others, like those of the Roman Catholic faith. The books are still here and the world has not ended. There are no reports of heterosexual children becoming homosexual nor gay children becoming straight. I consider that solid proof that we can co-exist here without trying to erase one another. Is there still homophobia or transphobia in our area? Of course, we still have a long way to go. Consider this:
Many of you know that Catholics observe June as Sacred Heart of Jesus month. I know this from having been raised in the Catholic church and I had a parochial education. June is observed as Pride Month by the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters like me. I do this, not as a member of that group, but as an ally that wants to use my privilege for good. Sadly, some members of the traditional Catholic community have begun to sell T-shirts, printed with the words, "Reclaim the Month," as a dog whistle disparagement of the LGBTQIA+ community, because they think June belongs only to them. This is the problem. You don't have to reclaim the month. It was never taken away from anyone.
Transgender "Jeopardy!" champion Amy Schneider recently spoke of the importance of recognition of those in her community. She said that, growing up in Ohio, hardly anyone spoke in support of the trans community and most who did speak, did so disparagingly. It also was a time when just living as your true self could be dangerous (and still is.) They can't defend themselves alone. She says that's why it means so much to have even one person, one ally, publicly validate your existence, because it could mean that someone else might realize the impact and turn away from their misunderstanding and discrimination. In a library like ours, just one book could make that kind of difference.
As the month of June winds down, I congratulate and encourage the library board to keep moving forward with its positive and inclusive book collection and Pride Month displays. It's fun to co-exist. So, I wish everyone a happy Sacred Heart Month and happy Pride Month.
By the way, it's National Candy Month, too. Just don't tell the kids.
Marjie DeFede
Rayland