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LGBTQ
OpinionLetters

In hiding LGBT-themed children’s books, Hong Kong libraries moved against diversity

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The Hong Kong Central Library. Hong Kong libraries used to be where all sorts of books could be found, but no longer. Photo: Hong Kong Central Library
Letters
With children’s books containing so-called LGBT themes withdrawn from the “open” shelves in Hong Kong’s public libraries, a place that was once a source of joy to all has now become a place where a wide range of diversity can never exist (“What ‘closed stacks’ for LGBT books at Hong Kong public libraries reveal about the city’s government”, July 3).

The library is a place where we can sit down and relax; where we can refresh our minds and start again. A place where we used to get new inspiration has now become a place of discrimination.

As far as I remember, the library used to be a place where books of all sorts could be found. But no longer. I don’t know what that means for the future generations of Hong Kong.

Homophobic books move shows how Hong Kong enables discrimination

Hong Kong is well-known for its diversity and its acceptance of all types of culture. We like to think our city is a place where people of all persuasions can set aside their fears and worries, and just gather around for a taste of freedom. However, what has it become after removing all LGBT-themed books for children from the public shelves? A place which no longer lives up to that reputation.

Human Rights Watch calls for LGBT-themed children’s books to be returned to open shelves

Hong Kong’s libraries have helped me to gain a lot of insights about the world, and about people of all kinds. I would rather keep it that way, than savage everything that is wonderful. Acts that divide us should not be allowed.

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Cassandra Chan, Lam Tin

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