NEW
YORK, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Salah
Bachir, esteemed long-time gay activist and author of the memoir
First to Leave the Party: My Life
with Ordinary People... Who Happen to be
Famous, has announced a bold initiative in response to the
recent surge in book bans across Florida. In an act of solidarity with the
LGBTQ+ community and in defiance of censorship, Bachir will donate
copies of his memoir to any public library in the state, in
addition to donating a portion of the proceeds from sales to
the LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. The memoir, which
has garnered acclaim for its candid portrayal of Bachir's life and
its pioneering inclusion of the author's pronouns on the cover,
seeks to normalize discussions about gender identity and pronoun
sharing. Reflecting on the decision to include his pronouns on the
cover—a first in the publishing world—Bachir stated, "The only way
to normalize sharing our pronouns is by doing it as often as
possible. When we all share our pronouns, it takes a weight off the
shoulders of trans and non-binary people."
According to the American Library Association, Florida has the unfortunate distinction of
leading the United States in book
bans. In light of recent efforts within that state to ban certain
titles from school curriculums and public libraries, Bachir's
donation serves as a powerful statement against censorship and
discrimination. By providing access to diverse voices and
perspectives, this is a crucial step in counteracting the harmful
effects of book bans and in championing the values of tolerance and
respect.
"As an immigrant, a gay activist, and a storyteller, I believe
in the power of literature to spark conversations and promote
understanding," Bachir commented. "By donating copies of my memoir
to Florida's public libraries, I
hope to contribute to a culture of openness and acceptance."
Bachir's generous donation comes at a critical time, as
Florida faces increased scrutiny
for its attempts to restrict access to certain books. By supporting
the LGBTQ+ community and standing up to censorship, Bachir
demonstrates his unwavering commitment to justice and
inclusivity.
For libraries seeking donated copies, please visit
salahbachir.com
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact
Joseph Papa;
joseph@josephpapapr.com.
High-res cover art is available here.
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SOURCE Phamous Characters