Members of the Mandurah community have pushed back against calls to remove LGBTQIA+ themed books from a display at a local library.
A local resident posted in a community social media group complaining about a display of LGBTQIA+ themed books at Falcon Library in Mandurah, describing the collection as “disgusting”.
The photo posted by the resident showed children’s books including My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart, A Kids Book About Inclusivity by Ashton Mota and Rebekah Bruesehoff, Yes, Yes, Yes by Alex Greenwich and Shirleene Robinson, If Queers Weren’t Meant to Have Kids by Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt, If the World Were 100 People by Jackie McCann and Not Like Other Dads by Sean Szeps.
The books were arranged in front of a poster explaining the meanings of the six colours of the Pride flag, alongside another poster displaying flags representing different sexualities and gender identities.
The resident claimed the books contained “adult content” and argued that children needed to be protected from the material.
“These books involve sexual references, confronting images and [are] outright disgusting,” the resident wrote, calling on the City of Mandurah Council to “reflect on this atrocity”.
Within a few hours, the post attracted more than 1,000 comments, the majority expressing support for the display and highlighting the importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ young people.
“I read books about vampires. Haven’t become nocturnal or started ripping out my neighbours’ throats yet,” one resident responded.
“Reading a book is not going to make you gay or trans, but it might help a young person who is feel more accepted, and help the broader community become more educated.”
While some commenters supported the original post, many others emphasised the importance of acceptance, inclusion and education.
The post was deleted shortly after OUTinPerth contacted the original poster seeking comment on their concerns.
OUTinPerth also contacted the City of Mandurah and the library for comment.
