The National Education Association is the largest teachers union in the U.S., and it annually produces a recommended summer reading list for children across the country.
On Monday, the association recommended teachers include “Gender Queer” for this summer’s list. The controversial book was listed in the NEA’s “Great Summer Reads for Educators!” list of 11 recommended books.
“Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, who uses “e/em/eir” pronouns, is a graphic novel that “is a useful and touching guide on gender identity,” according to Simon & Schuster’s website. The publisher’s website noted that the book “started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual.”
According to Fox News, “Gender Queer” has riled up controversy among parents for being included in school libraries and curriculum. The book reportedly includes “depictions and descriptions of oral sex as well as discussions on masturbation.” In past interviews, the author has reportedly defended the explicit content depicted in the book.
.@NEAToday – the largest teacher’s union in America wants your kids to read about blowjobs, sex toys, gay sex, and chest binders. pic.twitter.com/m8za3uaCpO
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 5, 2023