Virginia mother celebrates 'victory' after school system silently removes 'X-rated' LGBTQ graphic novel.

A Virginia mother who publicly opposed the inclusion of an "adult-themed" LGBTQ graphic novel in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is claiming "victory" after the book was silently removed from school libraries.

According to emails obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital, FCPS informed Stacy Langton, a mother of six, that "Queer: A Graphic History" by Meg-John Barker was removed by librarians because the book's terminology is no longer used in the LGBTQ+ community.

Langton was informed in October 2024 correspondence with FCPS that the book had been retired from most of their schools in June 2023, despite her expressing concern about it during school board meetings. She was surprised that this information was not previously communicated to her and other parents.

"Langton described the debate over age-appropriate books as a "political football" to Planet Chronicle Digital, stating that the book in question, which is an adult-themed book, should not be in any school library. He believes that it's not suitable for minor children and that it's a victory for him that they took it out."

Noel Klimenko, the FCPS Assistant Superintendent of the Instructional Services Department, informed Langton that her school board comments may have led to the book being pulled for review by librarians.

The librarian is responsible for ensuring that nonfiction books on evolving topics contain current information. She did not direct any school to remove a book.

Librarians have determined that other books in their collections are more accurate and up-to-date sources of information on LGBTQ topics than the ones Klimenko noted.

During the weeding process, librarians remove items to maintain a relevant, current, and appealing collection, and she also disclosed that the book was retired.

Langton's recent picture of the book in Fairfax High School's library prompted Klimenko to challenge the claim that the book was part of a display created by the Gay Student Alliance club to promote LGBTQ history month.

"Our clubs can sign up for a locked cabinet display to promote awareness, club activities, and inclusion," she stated.

On May 11, 2023, Langton presented a graphic novel image to school board members, which depicted a naked man and woman in a sexual position where traditional gender roles were reversed.

"According to Langton, there were likely several X-rated images of sex acts, possibly around half a dozen, that he printed out and displayed at a meeting. The most disturbing image was shown at the podium, and when he looked at the board members' reactions, he saw their eyes widen in shock at the explicit nature of the material."

Barker's publisher did not return Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.

Langton stated that she will persist in her efforts to remove "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe and other adult-themed books from Fairfax schools.

"Maia Kobabe, the author of 'Gender Queer,' has defended the book's sexually explicit images as 'tame' after it was reportedly banned in more libraries in states than any other book."

"Kobabe stated on "Morning Edition" that in his opinion, the book is not as explicit as it could be."

FCPS did not return Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.