Green Mountain State Update
Banned book tour
In support of free speech at libraries, bookstores, and readers across the state, Vermont Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman has been hosting a series of readings from banned books with audience discussion to follow through the summer and into the fall.
The events featured special guests and audience discussions about the importance of free, speech, inclusion, democracy and open dialog.
“Around the country, we have seen the proliferation of book challenges and bans by school districts and local governments,” states the press release from the Lt. Governor. “These bans often target books that feature LGBTQ+ characters; talk about gender and sexuality; highlight racial disparities; or talk about difficult issues such as substance abuse and cases of police violence. Students, teachers, and curious minds should be able to access materials that spark critical thinking, cover difficult topics, and appeal to diverse interests without fear of government interference.”
Bechdel’s gift
Acclaimed cartoonist Alison Bechdel has donated a collection of her signed books to statewide LGBTQ+ youth advocacy nonprofit Out Vermont’s annual Fire Truck Pull fundraiser. In addition to directly supporting LGBTQ+ youth, Bechdel’s generous donation aimed to support the nonprofit’s record fundraising goal of $200K—$75K more than any previous year.
“I’ve been around a long time and have seen a lot of changes occur for LGBTQ people over the decades. My books are in a way about those changes, so that’s why I’m donating them. Lately, some of the progress we’ve made seems to be at risk. But Outright Vermont is doing an amazing job of keeping us moving forward. I’m so proud of them, and of the incredible LGBTQ youth who are the future,” said Bechdel.
Not only is Bechdel donating the signed books but she is personally mailing them to the lucky recipients.
Bechdel is perhaps best known for her book “Fun Home,” adapted into the Broadway musical that won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book.
More: outrightvt.org
Balint on book bans
In Washington, DC, US Representative Becca Balint of Vermont, along with US Rep. Ritchie Torres on New York, reintroduced a bill to support LGBTQ+ education in public schools.
The LGBTQI+ and Women’s History Education Act of 2023 comes in response to the increased calls from conservatives to ban bans and restrict curriculum across the country.
“It’s important for us to make sure that our histories and our stories are preserved, not just for posterity sake, but also because students across this country need to be able to see themselves in their history that we’re taught,” Balint told the Washington Blade, which noted that “Battles over the inclusion of Black, LGBTQ, and women’s history have roiled school districts across the country, leading to legislative restrictions that were passed in conservative states and even flaring up in areas traditionally known as liberal strongholds.”
Said Balint, “We can’t write off any area of the country,” Balint said. “There are movements from the right coming in more traditionally blue states, as well, and they’re trying to make parents and community members feel afraid of their neighbors.”
‘Best of the Best’ campus
University of Vermont received a top-ranking five-star score on Campus Pride’s 2023 Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly List, announced in September. Campus Pride rates LGBTQ policies, programs and practices at colleges and universities across the United States.
“Making our campus safe and inclusive is among the most important work we do at this university,” UVM Provost Patty Prelock told Vermont Business Journal. “As our community prepares to celebrate Pride Week, this distinction affirms that many individuals and resources dedicated to this work – including our Prism Center that serves the diverse queer and trans communities on campus – are succeeding in ensuring our success and excellence includes all.”
Said Kate Jerman, director of the school’s Prism Center, “Now more than ever, we take this commitment seriously as our recent efforts to implement the use of lived names and pronouns in all campus systems and for all members of our community demonstrates. We will continue working to improve because trans and queer students deserve nothing less from UVM.”
The complete Campus Pride 2023 Best of the Best list can be found below and online at CampusPride.org/BestoftheBest.
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