This essay by Susan Kuklin is part of a series of interviews with — and essays by — authors who are finding their books being challenged and banned in the U.S.⁠ ⁠ "In 2014, when my book 'Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out' was published, little had been written or said publicly about transgender and nonbinary teens.⁠ ⁠ 'Beyond Magenta' centers around six young adults, members of the trans/nonbinary community, who describe their struggles and their triumphs, their feelings and experiences when dealing with their personal identities. They speak of themselves and their community simply, introspectively — and with gravity, warmth and humor.⁠ ⁠ I was surprised when the book appeared on the American Library Association (ALA) list of challenged books in 2015: I had been interviewing and photographing young adults for years, covering contemporary topics such as teen pregnancy, suicide, AIDS, prejudice, human rights, teens on death row, and immigration but — as far as I know — none of those books had been banned from library bookshelves or classrooms. ⁠ ⁠ My reasoning, evidently naïve, was that because these accounts were written from the point of view of people directly experiencing said issues (based on my extensive interviews with them), readers would respect the participants' right to self-expression and that they would appreciate the informative value of their candor."⁠ ⁠ Tap the link in our bio for Susan Kuklin's essay.⁠ ⁠ (Image: @gabble_gabs • Kaz Fantone/NPR)