The library and OUT Maine will co-sponsor a book discussion about Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, held at the library on Monday, December 4, from 6-7:30 PM. Participants will receive a copy of the book to keep, which can be picked up at the library in advance of the meeting.

From the publisher: "In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography Gender Queer charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity--what it means and how to think about it--for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere."

In the years since its publication, Gender Queer has been the subject of numerous challenges and bans in school and public libraries around the country, including in Maine. It was ranked as the #1 most challenged book on the American Library Association's list for 2022. This discussion group will provide an inclusive, respectful environment for anyone who would like to participate to read the book and share their thoughts on the story, artwork, and impact it has had. Participants of any gender, sexual orientation, age, and political persuasion are welcome, provided they can share in the discussion in a thoughtful, open, and respectful manner.

Hannah Cyrus (she/her), Digital Media Librarian at Bangor Public Library, and August Sender (they/them), Training Coordinator for OUT Maine, will co-facilitate the discussion. Hannah has worked as a librarian for over seven years, and manages the graphic novel collection at BPL in addition to providing reference services and technology instruction at the library. As the Training Coordinator at OUT Maine, August loves to create spaces for people to learn, discuss, and implement life-changing practices towards a more inclusive world. Before working at OUT Maine they served as the Education Co-Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine, where they designed and implemented sexual violence prevention education.

This program is free of charge, but space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, use the form below or contact Hannah at (207) 922-6055 or hannah.cyrus@bangorpubliclibrary.org.