Trans activist takes action on library material targeting trans children and parents

A We Are Queer AF investigation has found that 58 libraries across the UK currently house harmful material targeting trans children and their families. In response, Warwickshire-based Trans+ activist, Demitri Rodriguez, has launched action to remove the book Leamington Spa.

A full list of 58 libraries can be found online

The investigation, conducted by Queer AF, revealed that the 58 libraries in question are stocking a parenting book called 'When Kids Say They're Trans: A Guide for Parents' by Lisa Marchiano, Sasha Ayad and Stella O'Malley, which reportedly encourages “desistance”, advices parents to ignore their child’s identity and cut off ties to supportive loved ones. Queer AF said the book highlighted practises rooted in conversion therapy.

Since 2018, the UK Government has said it is committed to a legislative prohibition of conversion therapy, with successive governments describing it as abhorrent, and yet there is still no blanket ban on conversion therapy.  

Trans activist, Demitri Rodriguez, has joined the campaign to remove this book from libraries emailing both, the library and Councillor George Finch. He reported that the book had been temporarily removed from Leamington Spa library, pending an investigation.

Rodriguez explains: “This isn’t just about “viewpoints”—it’s about the safety of our youth. These books target parents and encourage the suppression of a child’s identity, which is a massive safeguarding failure.”

Warwickshire County Council's library service had two copies of the book. These were temporarily removed from Leamington Spa and Atherton.

A spokesman for Warwickshire County Council said: “The service has recalled both copies and the book is being reviewed by the stock team alongside the council's safeguarding team to assess whether it conforms with its stock policy.”

Rodriguez added: “For me, this has never been about censorship or shutting down debate. "It is about ensuring that public institutions - particularly those accessed by children and young people - uphold safeguarding principles and carefully consider the potential impact of the material they provide.

“I believe this is a significant local development for Warwickshire, showing that community engagement can lead to tangible change.”

Following the investigation, these titles have, unfortunately, since been returned to shelves in Warwickshire. A statement from Warwickshire County Council said: "Following concerns raised regarding the content of When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide For Thoughtful Parents by Stella O’Malley et al, in line with established procedures for handling concerns about library stock, both copies of the title were immediately recalled for a full review.

"A thorough investigation has been conducted by a panel of specialist Stock Librarians who assessed the book against Warwickshire Libraries’ Stock Policy and all relevant legislation.

"In addition, Warwickshire County Council’s Safeguarding team confirmed that in line with Library Stock Control policies they have no concerns regarding the content of the book. 

"Following this investigation, the panel concluded that the book does not contravene Warwickshire Libraries’ stock policy or any aspect of UK law and will therefore be returned to library shelves."

Other places the books are listed in the Midlands are: Chesterfield Library, S40 1QN; Ripley library, DE5 3JE; Rothwell library NN14 6EP; West Bridgeford library, NG2 6AT; and Shrewsbury library SY1 2AS. Libraries across the North East, North West, South East, East, South West, Wales and Scotland also stock the title.

Demitri Rodriguez encourages others to follow suit and contact their local library,, as well as reaching out to their MP. He has created a draft email to help others, and this can be found online to download, edit and send.