In an era marked by growing political divisiveness, Becka Robbins channels her passion for books into a mission of inclusivity and education.

Championing Diversity Through Literature

Operating from a small room in Fabulosa Books, nestled in San Francisco’s historic Castro District, Robbins spearheads a project called “Books Not Bans.” This initiative focuses on distributing books covering queer history, sexuality, romance, and more to areas where such literature is increasingly being censored.

Using donations from customers, Robbins sends these books to groups across the country that desire them but face challenges due to the conservative movement’s efforts to ban them from public schools and libraries. “The book bans are awful, the attempt at erasure,” Robbins laments. Her goal is simple yet profound: to ensure these valuable resources reach those who need them the most.

Overcoming Obstacles with Community Support

Since launching “Books Not Bans” in May, Robbins has diligently raised funds and identified recipients for her book shipments. Her contributions have reached places such as a pride center in West Texas and an LGBTQ-friendly high school in Alabama. Customers at Fabulosa Books are particularly enthusiastic about supporting this cause, often including notes of encouragement in the packages sent to states like Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma.

According to a report by PEN America, a nonprofit literature advocacy group, over 40% of all book bans from July 2022 to June 2023 occurred in Florida, followed closely by Texas and Missouri. This surge in censorship efforts has also been documented by the American Library Association, which notes that book bans are reaching record highs and now target public libraries as well as school-based ones.

Empowering Through Education and Representation

Robbins is unwavering in her belief that access to diverse literature is crucial. “Fiction teaches us how to dream,” she says. “It teaches us how to connect with people who are not like ourselves, it teaches us how to listen and empathize.” So far, she has sent 740 books, with each shipment valued between $300 to $400, depending on the titles.

The impact of Robbins’ work is already being felt. At the new Rose Dynasty Center in Lakeland, Florida, books donated by Fabulosa Books are proudly displayed on the shelves. The center, run by Jason DeShazo—a drag queen known as Momma Ashley Rose—uses these books to promote literacy and provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. DeShazo hosts drag story times, employing puppets to address themes of kindness, dealing with bullies, and community involvement.

Robbins’ favorite books to send are young adult queer romances, a rapidly growing genre that reflects the mainstreaming of LGBTQ+ issues. “The characters are just like regular kids—regular people who are also queer, but they also get to fall in love and be happy,” she explains.