Florida School District Bans Book About Adorable Gay Penguins under Vile “Don’t Say Gay” Law
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A Florida school district has come under fire for banning a beloved children’s book about a same-sex penguin couple raising a baby chick. The Lake County School District removed the book, titled “And Tango Makes Three,” from its classrooms and libraries in response to the state’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. This move has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the suppression of LGBTQ+ voices and narratives in educational settings.
“And Tango Makes Three,” written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, tells the heartwarming true story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who form a loving partnership and raise a chick named Tango. The book, published in 2005, has received numerous accolades and has been celebrated for its positive representation of same-sex relationships.
However, the Lake County School District claims that the book violates Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, also known as HB 1557. This law prohibits discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity in schools up to the third grade. Governor Ron DeSantis signed this measure into law in March 2022, drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates who argue that it stifles important conversations about inclusivity and diversity.
In addition to “And Tango Makes Three,” several other LGBTQ+-themed books were also removed from classrooms and libraries in compliance with the law. These titles include “A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo,” a story about a gay bunny, and “In Our Mothers’ House,” which depicts a family with two mothers. The school district stated that these books were removed due to their content regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, which is prohibited under HB 1557.
The Lake County School District is not alone in its decision to ban LGBTQ+-themed books. Seminole County and Manatee County have also restricted access to such materials in response to the “Don’t Say Gay” law. In Seminole County, three books, “I Am Jazz,” “Jacob’s New Dress,” and “10,000 Dresses,” were removed from bookshelves accessible to younger students. These books will now only be available to fourth and fifth graders if a parent provides written consent and picks up the book from the school principal.
This trend of banning LGBTQ+-themed books extends beyond Florida. Across the country, right-wing groups have targeted and sought to restrict access to these materials. Librarians have reported receiving threats and facing pushback for stocking LGBTQ+ books. In Mississippi, a library was denied funding unless it removed LGBTQ+-themed books from its shelves. However, thanks to generous donations from supporters, the library was able to secure the necessary funding.
According to PEN America, an organization that advocates for freedom of expression, an increasing number of conservative groups are actively working to ban books from school libraries. A recent report from the group revealed that 41% of books banned during the 2021-2022 school year featured LGBTQ+ characters or addressed queer themes. At least 50 conservative parent and community groups have been involved in advocating for book bans, contributing to over 2,500 instances of individual book bans.
This wave of book bans raises concerns about the silencing of LGBTQ+ voices and the erasure of LGBTQ+ narratives in educational settings. Many argue that these books provide important representation for LGBTQ+ youth and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse curriculum. The banning of “And Tango Makes Three” and other LGBTQ+-themed books is seen as a step backward in the fight for equality and acceptance.
The controversy surrounding the banning of “And Tango Makes Three” highlights the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in schools. Advocates continue to push back against discriminatory laws like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments that embrace all students’ identities and experiences. As educators and society as a whole grapple with these issues, the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies remain resilient in their fight for equality and acceptance.
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Florida school district bans book
