The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, and its Welcoming Schools program has launched its first-ever Book of the Month series—an initiative designed to bring queer joy amid growing political attacks on books with LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.. Beginning last month through early 2026, the series will highlight a book each month, aiming to inspire people in both red and blue states to bring these stories into libraries, schools, community centers, and other youth-friendly spaces to push back against the erasure of queer books. The series kicks off with Chasten Buttigieg’s Papa’s Coming Home—a celebration of unconditional love in a family—emphasizing that stories featuring LGBTQ+ families are stories that celebrate belonging for everyone.
“We are living at a time when censorship is being valued over love and acceptance. The Supreme Court’s recent Mahmoud decision reminds us why we must push back against efforts to silence LGBTQ+ stories. Through this series we hope to show that inspiring tales are beautiful no matter who the characters are, and that themes of family, and acceptance connect us all. Through these monthly readings, we hope every child—and family—can see themselves celebrated in the pages of these books,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson.
This national book series comes as political attacks on inclusive schools and libraries escalate. In 2025 alone hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills have again been introduced across the country, with many specifically targeting school curriculums. For years, bills have been filed and passed that strip educators of the ability to discuss the LGBTQ+ community and its contributions to society, and the right wing has relentlessly targeted and banned books with LGBTQ+ authors and/or characters. This new series from HRC aims to combat surging right wing censorship by amplifying the very LGBTQ+ stories being targeted and sending a message to young people that they belong and that their stories deserve to be heard.
“As a father and teacher, there’s nothing more powerful than watching a child’s eyes light up when they see themselves reflected in a story. I’m proud to partner with the Welcoming Schools program to bring Papa’s Coming Home to more students and families, especially at a time when stories like these are under attack, ensuring every child feels celebrated, every family feels embraced, and the unifying theme of love shines through,” said author Chasten Buttigieg.
