Yes, This Book Is Gay Is Banned!
ISBN: 9781492617839
This Book Is Gay is exactly what its title promises: a frank, funny, and informative guide to being LGBTQ+. Dawson covers the basics of sexual orientation and gender identity, offers practical advice about coming out, discusses safe sex, and addresses the mental health challenges that disproportionately affect queer youth. The book includes contributions from real LGBTQ+ young people sharing their experiences, and Dawson’s tone is warm, irreverent, and deliberately casual, like a knowledgeable older sibling who’s been through it all and wants to make things easier.
This Book Is Gay has been removed from school libraries across the country, with over 140 total challenges since the current wave of book banning began. It was one of the first books targeted in the Granbury ISD case in Texas, where a superintendent was recorded telling librarians to pull books about transgender people. Challengers object to its LGBTQ+ content and its discussions of sexual health, arguing it is inappropriate for school libraries. Defenders counter that the book provides exactly the kind of accurate, supportive information that LGBTQ+ teens need and often can’t get anywhere else, particularly in the states where it’s being banned. It has been pulled from shelves in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Utah, Virginia, and South Carolina.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
Read It Anyway
The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Book Is Gay banned?
Yes, This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson has been banned or challenged in 142 documented instances across 6 states in the United States, including Florida, Texas, Iowa, Utah, Virginia. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was This Book Is Gay banned?
This Book Is Gay has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: LGBTQ+ Themes, Sexual Content. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is This Book Is Gay banned?
As of 2025, This Book Is Gay has been banned or challenged in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Utah, Virginia, South Carolina. Notable bans include Clay County School District (2022), Granbury ISD (2022), Urbandale Community School District (2023).