Heartstopper by Alice Oseman | Banned Book Project
Heartstopper Synopsis:
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?
Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him.
They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…
HEARTSTOPPER is a serialized, ongoing webcomic that began on September 1st, 2016. In 2018, Heartstopper began publication as physical graphic novels, available to purchase from bookshops and retailers. It is currently available to read on both Tapas, Tumblr, and Webtoon and there is the option to support it financially on Patreon.
Locations challenged or banned:
Cheyenne, Wyoming 2021 – After discovering several books promoting sex-positivity and LGBTQIA+ issues, conservative parents began submitting reconsideration forms to the Campbell County Public Library. Heartstopper is under review by the library committee to determine whether it will be retained or removed from the library.
Reasons:
LGBTQIA+ issues, sexual content.
Sources:
Library makes progress on 35 book reconsideration. https://county17.com/2021/10/04/library-makes-progress-on-35-book-reconsiderations/
Campbell County Public Library Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4622803787744021&id=125975157426929
Campbell County officials abet bullies in battle of radicals v. librarians. https://wyofile.com/campbell-county-officials-abet-bullies-in-battle-of-radicals-v-librarians/
Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ issues. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/wyoming-librarians-under-fire-books-about-sex-lgbtq-issues-n1280704
Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-business-wyoming-nonfiction-22b0a682cb5ba95de8eb3975d101228c
CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSION. CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 7/07/2021 AGENDA. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021. 9:00 AM. https://play.champds.com/gillettewy/event/117?fbclid=IwAR18s3w0XBuAb18aCqKRDwFTcIyzxqDe-Z8Z5-ekEKxB9TOhksh3jufResM
Gillette grapples with anti-LGBTQ bigotry. https://wyofile.com/gillette-grapples-with-anti-lgbtq-bigotry/
Librarians in Wyoming face criminal ‘obscenity’ charges for stocking LGBT+ books in teen sections. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/10/05/wyoming-campbell-county-library-lgbt-books/
LIBRARIANS FACE POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR CARRYING SEX EDUCATION BOOKS. https://bookriot.com/campbell-country-library-challenges/
It is such a shame that “Heartstopper” is being attacked! The book and the show have no sexual content. There is some cursing in the book, but TV show is very family friendly. The attack of LGBT+ books is the first step towards outward societal attacks on the LGBT+ communities. Wyomingans should know better than to repeat their horrible past!!!
It’s just a shame, John that the cycle of hatred continues. Hopefully, bringing happenings like this to light will provoke people to take action. To read these books, support the LGBTQIA+ community, and educated themselves about people and societies outside their purview.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.