Banning LGBTQ-themed books remains a top challenge in 2022.

The American Library Association has reported a record high of 1,269 challenges to over 2,500 books in 2022, with 90% of challenges directed at multiple books and nearly a fifth made by political/religious groups. Seven of the 13 books on the "Most Challenged Books" list were challenged for having LGBTQ content, sending a message of exclusion to the LGBTQ community. Conservative lawmakers and activists have rallied around limiting LGBTQ issues being taught in schools, queer symbolism from being displayed in classrooms, and transgender athletes from participating in school sports. The group of books, as with all books, should remain on shelves without "fear or favor," according to the director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.