Decide for yourself. Should this book be banned?
Discover authentic, boundary-pushing stories that celebrate humanity in all its diversity. Should This Book Be Banned explores the power of storytelling to foster empathy, challenge prejudice, and amplify marginalized voices. By weaving together authentic narratives and challenging difficult or outdated ideas, the anthology highlights how representation in literature can empower marginalized communities, dismantle stereotypes, and create a more equitable world.
This anthology brings together a kaleidoscope of voices-LGBTQ+ and straight, allies and critics, atheists and clergy, Black and white, students and scholars. Inside, you'll find narratives that grapple with religion, race, immigration, and the complexities of privilege and hypocrisy. These characters navigate themes of sex, money, power, and their impact on the vulnerable. By embracing diverse perspectives and challenging traditional structures of power, readers are invited to deepen their understanding of the transformative impact of stories.
- Montag, Read On by John P. Michael
- Her Eyes and Mine by Austen Masters
- Rose Garden by Lois Spencer
- Blessed be the Pig by Christina Moore
- Trophy Husband by Jim Hodnett
- The White Minority by Travis Ray
- The Water That Shapes Us by Joe Graves
- Musée d'Éroticisme by A.M. Hayden
- The Island by Lorisha Adams
- Shortstop by Trent McMahon
- Pornocopia by Jay Osborne
- Thunder and Ice by R. Luce
- The Aran Sweater by Gabriella Ercolani
- Love Blossoms by Michael Sepesy
- The Intercessor by Corrina Malek
- Displaced Persons by Leonard Kress
- Beef Sighting by Abby Taggart
- Color by C.L. Howard
- Mr. Music by John Sparks
- Uno by L.L. Ford
- While She Is Braiding My Hair by Samantha Stanich
- Diabolus by Katherine Hedrick
- Ticket to Nowhere by Mary Moody Hunt
- Resistance to Disposableness by Amy Randall-McSorley
- The Gulf by Charles Derry
- Rapture by Ed Davis
- Her Favorite Time of Year by Emily Jones
- Daisy by Brienne Daugherty
- Naked AF by Paisha Thomas
- Hallowed Be Thy Names by Stephen Kraynak
Daugherty, Brienne: - Brienne Daugherty (she/her) received her B.A. in English literature from Ohio Dominican University. Her goal is to craft stories that either heal or traumatize the reader. She self-published her first novel, a body-horror called Fat Phobia, in 2023. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband, two kiddos, and three grumpy cats. To see more of her work visit www.briennedaugherty.com.
Hodnett, Jim: - Jim Hodnett (he/him) is a retired psychologist and educator. Although he grew up in Arkansas and has spent time in Texas and New York, he has lived in Columbus, Ohio for over thirty years, most of those, happily, with his husband, Joe Heimlich, Ph.D., a researcher and consultant in the area of environmental education. Jim has been writing for twelve years, mostly short stories that focus on the lives, loves, and challenges of gay boys and men. "Trophy Husband" is the third story Jim has published, all three in OWA anthologies.
Ray, Travis: - Travis Ray (he/him) is truly nothing special. Works an average job, and is the insignificant other of partner, Del. Armed with them, their cats, and a love of provoking thoughts; he strives daily to be nothing more than an average person.
