The University of Southern California continues its siege on traditional family values, this time through its library offerings. In a recent analysis by CriticalRace.Org, the USC Library System was found to feature a list of pro-LGBT literature previously banned or challenged for its graphic content.
The guide, which is titled “LGBT+ Books Unbanned,” was created to commemorate the university’s “Pride 2025” celebrations. The guide notes that all the books are available for students to check out at USC Libraries.
“USC Libraries is celebrating Pride 2025 by highlighting influential books by LGBT+ authors and/or with LGBT+ themes that have been banned, challenged, or censored throughout history,” reads the list introduction.
The book list includes several works that promote transgender themes, many of which are specifically targeted toward young adults and children.
One of the books, Cemetery Boys, is classified as “Young Adult Fiction” and follows a transgender boy who attempts to summon a spirit in order to prove to his conservative family that he is a male witch, or “brujo” in Spanish.
“Cemetery Boys is necessary: for trans kids, for queer kids, for those in the Latinx community who need to see themselves on the page,” read one book review.
In another book offered by the library system, Gender Queer, the author recounts her experience growing up as “queer,” focusing on “adolescent crushes,” the challenges of “coming out” to family, and friendships formed around “erotic gay fan fiction.”
Pushing LGBT themes and occult imagery is nothing new for the University of Southern California. In 2024, the university hosted a drag show titled “Drag Me to Hell,” which was advertised as a “Demonic Drag Performances and Costume Contest.” The event was described as “a one-of-a-kind Halloween event inspired by queer pioneers in 1930s–60s Los Angeles who found refuge in science-fiction fandom and the occult underground.”
The USC Library System also offers several other guides that direct students toward LGBT-themed literature and resources. Among these are the 2024 book list titled “LGBT+ Muslim and Jewish Writers & Stories” and the “Queering BookTok Research Guide.”
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