On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Wake County Public Libraries fell prey to the homophobia and transphobia sweeping the country and banned the book "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe.

As huge supporters of public libraries who love our library system, we are utterly dismayed and disappointed that Wake County librarians would give in to hatred, homophobia, and transphobia, and actively participate in censorship of books.

If the WCPL mission is "to instill the love of reading and to foster the pursuit of knowledge for the residents of Wake County," then censoring and banning books is in direct violation of their very mission.

Wake County Public Libraries played into the hands of people who want to promote hatred of LGBTQ+ members of our community. Furthermore, even if unintended, WCPL is contributing to an environment that discriminates against LGBTQ+ residents of Wake County.

This is shameful and embarrassing on the part of Wake County, and it is insulting and alienating to residents who are members of the LBGTQ+ community. This error must be rectified immediately, this censorship must be overturned, and "Gender Queer: A Memoir" must be returned to shelves without delay!

Recent news article about the book banning: https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article256650767.html