Our member, Yvette, delivered an earnest speech to the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education, sharing her concerns about sexually explicit school books and gay representation. She advocated for wholesome library content that portrays people like her in a positive light, as good citizens who contribute to society.
We do not feel respected by the filth being distributed in classrooms. It is insulting to suggest this has anything to do with civil rights. Boundaries exist for a reason. We have a voice in this debate because it is being done in our name, and we are not backing down without a fight.
Here is what Yvette had to say:
My name is Yvette Nary, and as a mother, grandmother, long-time Albuquerque resident and out lesbian, I want you to know how offensive it is to claim that books in school libraries with pornographic content represent the LGBTQIA community and experience. When I came out in the 1990s, our critics insisted that homosexuals had bad sexual boundaries with minors. Some parents wouldn’t let their kids visit mine at my house, just in case. We fought that stereotype, only to have APS now include books with overt pornographic content in school libraries in our name. It is an insult to those of us in the LGBTQIA community who live private and dignified lives.
Represent the LGBTQIA as teachers, thinkers, scientists, engineers, dancers, artists, as community leaders. Being responsible adults and good citizens is what supports acceptance of differences. What other minority group would you demand to represent to children in school through pornographic materials? Wouldn’t that be racist or sexist?
It’s like representing women to children at school via stripping.
Let’s use common sense and stop using LGBTQIA inclusion as an excuse to provide children with pornographic content in schools.