A: I have found through my experiences as a public school teacher and librarian that patrons will use their sincerely held religious beliefs as reasons to challenge the library's LGBTQ+ materials.
In my opinion (again, based on experience), this issue must be handled respectfully and sensitively, even if you are frustrated and angered by it. Jumping in with a defensive attitude (even if the patron/student has an attitude also) does not help your case.
Another piece of advice from me is to avoid engaging in verbal debates. Religious beliefs are about faith; by definition, they are not about scientific facts and cannot be counteracted with facts.
What do I recommend you do when an angry patron confronts you? Take a deep breath, relax, and politely offer a few of these resources.
As a wise man once said: "Talk less. Smile more."
Be sure you document any conversations and are familiar with your library's policies on book and material challenges.
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| Library Bill of Rights from American Library Association. I would have portions of this printed out and on display in the library or have copies available for patrons to browse. How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns about Library Resources Libraries Respond: Drag Queen Story Hour |
Info for the patrons who are struggling with their religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ people:
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| The Need for Allyship in Faith-Based LGBTQ Communities from GLSEN (2018). |
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| LGBTQ+ Religion from The Trevor Project |
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| Faith in Our Families from PFLAG (2017). |
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| Book Recommendation--Transforming: the Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke |
Info for LGBTQ patrons and their allies in need of supportive religious materials:
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| Religion, Faith, and Values from GLAAD Media Institute (2018). |
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| Faith Positions from Human Rights Campaign |
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| What About Religion? from Trans-Parenting |
Click here to go back to Supporting transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender nonbinary students/patrons in your libraries
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