Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 | 2 a.m.
Mike Curato is the author of the graphic novel “Flamer,” one of the most challenged books of 2022. The highly acclaimed young adult book is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel in which Curato addresses his own adolescent struggles with being gay and bullied.
In a video this year for PEN America on “Flamer,” Curato said he wrote the book to validate his own life and help other kids like him.
“I think it is important to note that when you don’t see yourself in media, when you are told that your sexuality is immoral, that you are supposed to look a certain way and you don’t, when you see other people who don’t look like you — and who you will never look like — being lauded as the ideal, you start to think you are not supposed to be here. It invites self-erasure,” Curato said.
“What doesn’t get spoken about in these PTA meetings, in these school board meetings, what is not spoken about when government officials point out this book and call it pornography, is that this is a book about suicide prevention,” Curato said. “This is a book about telling someone that regardless of how someone may disagree with who you are as a person, you still deserve to be there. There is a place for you.”
Curato has been speaking out against the rising wave of book censorship including at some high school libraries, where “Flamer” has been removed due to “sexually explicit content.”
Here is a letter by Curato to students at one of those schools, addressing the banning of “Flamer.” While addressed to students at one high school, many of its lessons and questions are applicable to all Americans.
“I originally wrote this letter for the students at a different school earlier this year. Sadly, I am sending these words out again. I hope they will be a source of strength for you.
“Regardless of the outcome of this book challenge, and the other challenges that will come, there are things I need you to know.
“Remember you have agency. I understand how hard it is to have others making decisions for so many parts of your life. But your life is in your hands. You have a voice. Use it. You may not have the power to vote yet, but you can still speak your mind. Don’t let anyone silence you. Don’t let them forget that you too are a human being with rights and feelings. Let it out. Speak it, sing it, write it, paint it, dance it. Censorship is fought with expression. That is your First Amendment right, no matter your age or station.
“Remember you are the future. Remember this moment. Remember how you feel. Remember what everyone said. One day, very soon, you will be an adult member of the community. What rights will you uphold? What injustices will you fight to repair? Who else in your community has been relegated to the margins? How can you help them? Lead with facts and compassion.
“And above all else, know this: You deserve to be here. No matter who you are, what you believe, or who you love. I need you to know this because when I was young, it was implied that there was no room in this world for someone like me. Not unless I followed their rules. I tried to be the person I thought everyone wanted me to be, and it broke me. Don’t do that. Don’t let anyone use shame to dictate how you should live your life. I almost lost my life to that lie. But I survived, and in living my truth, I have found the greatest joy. ‘Flamer’ is my truth and my joy. It may make some people uncomfortable, but their comfort is NOTHING compared to your safety and happiness.
“Remember that. They can ban my book, but no one has the right to ban YOU.”
Maureen Downey is a columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
