By Jae Moore
Unless you lived in a bubble during the 2010s, you probably know Chris Colfer from his groundbreaking role on Glee (2009-2015). But did you know that he is also a bestselling author, now with 20 titles to his name? Colfer’s long-running fantasy series The Land of Stories cast a spell on kids worldwide, and through his new book, Roswell Johnson Saves the World!, he continues to weave a narrative of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.
Today’s the day! #RoswellJohnson is now available wherever books are sold! I hope you love Roswell and his alien friends as much as I do. Thank you so much for going on this new adventure with me. See you all on tour! https://t.co/c0nPQSrL4F pic.twitter.com/AtsU3zGS2G
— Chris Colfer (@chriscolfer) June 4, 2024
Roswell tells the story of an 11-year-old alien life enthusiast who gets “accidentally abducted by aliens,” said Colfer on The View. When he finds out life on Earth is in danger, he enlists the help of his new extraterrestrial friends to save the planet.
“The characters in your book, beyond the aliens, as well, reflect the world we live in,” noted The View co-host Sara Haines. “You have strong female characters, LGBTQ+ characters, which sadly has made your book a bit of a target for banned books.”
Although the challenges against Colfer’s books are less known than those targeting Maia Kobabe and George M. Johnson on the most banned books list, Colfer can relate as an LGBTQ person and author being targeted: “It’s never fun when people show up with guns to school board meetings, and demand that your books be taken off the shelves.”
The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who acted alongside Colfer in a recurring role on Glee, offered her own perspective: “If something is in a book, don’t be afraid of it. It’s in a book. It’s on a piece of paper. It’s someone’s idea of something,” she said. “If it’s not your cup of tea, don’t read the book. But, give it to other people. Let other people decide what is working for them, and what is not.”
Despite some pushback, Colfer does not shy away from helping kids see themselves represented in the pages of his books. Speaking with The Advocate in 2019 about his fantasy novel A Tale of Magic, he described a world where women are banned from reading, where magic is outlawed and conversion therapy is seen as a “cure,” and where magicians are persecuted for their practices. Sound familiar?
While extreme organizations continue to push their harmful agenda to restrict books and the freedom to read, signs of hope are beginning to emerge. In recent months, several states are considering or have passed legislation protecting intellectual freedom, libraries, schools, and their staff:
- California: AB1078, signed into law in 2023, prohibits school boards from banning books and other instructional materials. Meanwhile, AB1825, dubbed a “Freedom to Read Act,” is currently in the Senate. If passed, it would prohibit book bans in public libraries.
- Colorado: SB216, signed into law last month, protects public libraries and their staff by establishing procedures for handling book challenges, and by disallowing bans against books by or about LGBTQ people or people of color.
- Illinois: The law that started it all, HB2789 prohibits banning books in libraries. Another piece of legislation, HB4567, is currently being reviewed by the Senate. If passed, it would add protections for library workers.
- Maryland: Signed into law in April, HB785/SB738 aims to limit book bans and protect library staff.
- Minnesota: Signed into law last month, SF3567 places restrictions on book bans in both schools and libraries.
- New Jersey: A3446, dubbed a “Freedom to Read Act,” recently passed the Assembly Education Committee and was referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Bill sponsor, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis told NJ Spotlight News: “One parent should not have the ability to determine what another parent’s child can read.” The bill promotes inclusivity, gives guidelines to school boards about how to handle book challenges and protects librarians from harassment, and has the support of leading library organizations, including the New Jersey Association of School Librarians and the New Jersey Library Association, and education groups representing teachers, principals, superintendents and school board members.
- Washington: Going into effect this month are two new bills. HB2331 prevents school boards from removing books or materials featuring or written by LGBTQ people or people of color. SB5823 will make library shutdown attempts more difficult.
In a interview with The Advocate last year, Colfer emphasized the importance of diverse stories: “With the outrageous book bans and constant attacks on our trans and drag communities, now more than ever, it’s important to support LGBTQIA authors and their stories and introduce young readers to inclusive books that treat all kids with compassion.”
Colfer, who played out gay teen Kurt Hummel on Glee, a character written specifically for him, told The View he was closeted when the show began. “When I started filming the show, I had a lot of people tell me, ‘Do not come out, whatever you do, because it will ruin your career.’” He did, and it didn’t.
“If I’m an openly gay actor, yeah, I may never win a major award. I may never get to play a superhero,” Colfer added. “But, I think, being a beacon of positivity and, you know, providing that comfort for people is way more important than attention.”
After six successful seasons on Glee, receiving numerous major awards, and authoring several books, Colfer has proven himself an ally to and activist within his community, and an inspiration to the countless kids who can now see themselves mirrored on TV or in the pages of a book.