The graphic novel “Gender Queer,” which explores gender identity, has been reconsidered for sale in Australia following a campaign by conservatives that compelled the Classification Review Board to reassess its initial decision. Previously, the federal court had mandated the board to reconsider its decision giving the Maia Kobabe autobiography an unrestricted M classification after conservative figure Bernard Gaynor challenged it.
This graphic novel has faced a wave of conservative efforts to ban it in the United States, where allegations against it center on the cartoon representations of sexual scenes that some have criticized as “pornographic” and “paedophilic.” The Classification Review Board, after reassessment, decided to approve the book for distribution in Australia under the same classification as earlier, deeming its content relevant to the narrator’s journey of discovering their gender identity and sexuality. The board determined that the graphic novel’s sexual content is too stylized and infrequent to warrant any level of restricted access, asserting that the depiction of sexual scenes does not represent adult-minor interactions.
The decision was influenced by the significant number of public submissions, including a notable number Parse – copied and pasted – from Gaynor’s campaign against the book. Despite the considerable opposition, the board did not find the majority of submissions to be reflective of the broader public’s views.
The Australian Library and Information Association supported the book’s availability, highlighting its value in promoting understanding and reducing prejudice about non-binary and other underrepresented individuals. The organization stressed the importance of having access to narratives that are often suppressed, which can delay personal understanding and the process of coming out.
While acknowledging that some content may cause discomfort, the board determined that “Gender Queer” holds literary, artistic, and educational significance. Supported by library professionals and advocates, it remains available for readers in Australia. In light of discussions around the book’s content, the piece includes information about crisis support services available in various countries for individuals who may be affected by its themes.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/25/gender-queer-graphic-novel-reapproved-for-sale-in-australia-ntwnfb
