Queer Liberation Library: Filling the Gap in LGBTQ Literature Access Across the U.S.

When Sara Katherine moved back to Valparaiso, Indiana, from New York, she observed a lack of support for LGBTQ youth. In response, she began working as a mentor at a local nonprofit, connecting with queer teenagers who felt underrepresented in the media and their community. It was during this time that she discovered the Queer Liberation Library (QLL), an online archive comprising over 1,200 LGBTQ books accessible to individuals nationwide.

"I was able to tell them, ‘Hey, guess what? I have something free for you, and it’s thousands of books you can read where there are characters just like you who are falling in love, who are having adventures,’" said Katherine, highlighting the importance of representation in literature.

Libraries Amid Legal Challenges

QLL was established by a group of nine volunteers in November to address the deficiency of queer literature, particularly in the wake of state laws and school policies opposing books with LGBTQ themes. To access a digital book, readers are only required to provide their name and a U.S. mailing address, which QLL ensures is kept private and secure.

Although several public libraries offer free digital access to their entire collection nationwide, QLL stands out by specifically curating books with queer themes or by queer authors. From an initial readership of nearly 4,000, it has now amassed over 50,000 readers, demonstrating a significant increase in its reach and impact.

"The queer experience in the U.S. is so different, not just from state to state or city to city, but even from county to county," noted Erik Lundstrom, emphasizing the importance of providing books in a safe manner, irrespective of location or circumstances.

The Team Behind the Queer Liberation Library

Kieran Hickey, the co-founder of QLL, shared his journey of discovering and eventually pursuing LGBTQ literature, leading him to earn a master’s degree in library science. The QLL team, consisting of volunteers from across the country, collaborates remotely, with each member contributing towards the growth and accessibility of the library’s collection.

Empowering LGBTQ Literature Heroes

Each member of the QLL team plays a crucial role in expanding the library’s titles and enhancing its accessibility. From managing legal matters and webpage administration to curating titles and leading social media initiatives, the team embodies a diverse set of skills and experiences.

Notably, the library’s children’s book collection aims to introduce nonbinary identity to young readers, promoting inclusive narratives from an early age. Through engaging stories and illustrations, these books help children understand and embrace diverse gender identities.

Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Literature

Recent reports have highlighted the prevalence of book bans across numerous states, particularly targeting titles with themes of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The impact of these bans on LGBTQ youth is profound, leading to feelings of exclusion and erasure.

According to Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, executive director of LGBTQ educational organization GLSEN, access to books reflecting their narratives is essential for LGBTQ youth. The absence of such literature can lead to feelings of shame and self-doubt, hindering their social and emotional development.

Willingham-Jaggers emphasized the importance of non-LGBTQ students encountering queer representation in literature, promoting inclusivity and understanding amongst all readers. By making queer literature accessible to everyone, these platforms foster a sense of community and support lifelong learning.

The Future of the Queer Liberation Library

QLL continues to expand its collection and membership, responding to the needs and concerns of its audience. The library aims to bridge the visibility and diversity gap, especially in regions where LGBTQ representation is limited.

Recognizing the impact of the library, plans are underway to organize in-person events such as book clubs, summer reading programs, and meetups, facilitating opportunities for LGBTQ youth to connect and find solidarity in their shared experiences.

Revealing some insights, it was disclosed that 16% of QLL members reside in rural areas, emphasizing the library’s reach in diverse geographical locations. Additionally, popular titles such as “How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win a Wager” by D.N. Bryn and “At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender” by Shou Arai have garnered significant attention on the platform.