This article refers to explicit material unsuitable for all readers.
After one mother said she reported North Kingstown High School in North Kingstown, Rhode Island to the police for advertising gay pornography book “Gender Queer: A Memoir” in a school library display case, another Rhode Island mom says Superintendent Phil Auger has come out in defense of the book’s presence. Auger did not respond to The Federalist’s request for comment.
Erika Sanzi reported on her Substack blog that another concerned parent had emailed Auger about the “inappropriate” book, which features multiple graphic scenes of gay men having sex, discussion of sexual fantasies, and even an instance where a girl is encouraged by her sibling to “taste” herself. Sanzi posted a screenshot of an email she says is from Auger, which insists the book is not pornographic and compares the book to the work of Renaissance artist Michelangelo or an anatomy textbook.
“I feel it is important to see these images and quotations in context of the full text,” the email screenshot says, although no context could ever justify showcasing gay pornography to minors, all of which was done on the taxpayer’s dime. The book, it continues, “is intended for a teenage and young adult audience and, in my opinion would be considered a valuable resource.”
In case the common-sense conclusion that this book is overtly pornographic isn’t satisfying, Merriam-Webster stipulates that pornography is “the depiction of erotic behavior intended to cause sexual excitement,” a fitting description for the book given that, according to its Amazon description, it focuses on “bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction” and features sexually explicit images.
The email excerpts Sanzi published do not explain how discussion of sexual fantasies or the depiction of gay men having sex promotes “sexual health” in any way shape or form.
The email does, however, point out that “Gender Queer: A Memoir” received “very positive reviews in School Library Journal.” The School Library Journal did indeed give the book high praise, calling the book “a great resource” in a quote that’s advertised in the book’s Amazon’s description. The School Library Journal calls itself “the premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens.”
If a school superintendent is really defending a pornographic book’s presence in a high school library, it — along with the glowing review from the School Library Journal — gives even more credence to the idea that there is a concerted push by the left to deconstruct sexual values and even normalize pedophilia.
