An incredible 267 children’s books authors and illustrators have banded together to write an open letter. They want to offer support to the LGBT community of North Carolina in light of the passing of the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act.
According to School Library Journal, this law means that individuals who use bathrooms in public spaces can only go into stalls designated for the biological sex listed on their birth certificates. This affects public schools, government agencies, and public college campuses. Some of the participants include Newbery Medalist Matt de la Peña, National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson, and The Fault in Our Stars novelist John Green. Here’s an excerpt from the letter:
“As artists, we strive to create books that promote acceptance of all people regardless of race, religion, or gender identity. We will continue to do so; however, we cannot and will not support a state government that promotes discrimination. Each one of us will have to consider our participation in conferences and festivals in North Carolina while this law is in place. But you have our word that we will never abandon our thousands and thousands of readers in North Carolina.”