02/22/2026
As discriminatory book bans continue to target LGBTQ+ literature and stories, cultural leaders, community organizations and libraries must combat censorship and expand access to the diverse stories that help LGBTQ+ youth feel safe, seen and valued. 🏳️🌈
Our featured panel at the 2026 SXSW EDU on March 11th—Beyond Bans: Defending LGBTQ+ Stories and Literary Freedom—is a bold, timely, and urgent discussion deserving of the national spotlight. The panel will feature PFLAG National CEO Brian K. Bond (he/him) alongside #1 New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston (they/them) and American Library Association President Sam Helmick (they/them), and will be moderated by Nikole Hannah-Jones (she/her), Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author of The 1619 Project.
The 2026 SXSW EDU will take place in Austin, TX from March 9-12, 2026. Join the conversation and register today at sxswedu.com/attend
