A shadow war on libraries

Some Canadian politicians and influencers, inspired by an American-born movement, are trying to roll back 2SLGBTQ+ rights in Canada — one book at a time.

There was a time, not so very long ago, when there was no place Theo Robertston wanted to be other than the small prairie town of Valleyview, Alta.

It is here, in a town tucked between Sturgeon Lake and the Little Smoky River about 350 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, that Robertson was raised. It is where she went to school and met friends. It is where she works in her grandfather’s garage to earn pocket money.

But Valleyview no longer feels like home to the 17-year-old transgender teenager. The town now conjures up a darker feeling.

"I feel terrorized almost. I feel like existing in my community has just become harder than it was ever intended to be," said Robertson.

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The experience in Valleyview is not an isolated one. An investigation by The Fifth Estate has found there is a shadow war in Canada against libraries and books. Its leading political actors, from small towns to large political parties, are linked to a broader grassroots movement. Steeped in conspiracy theories, this movement has stoked fears about gender identity education, child abuse and teachers.

lots more

https://www.cbc.ca/newsinteractives/features/a-shadow-war-on-libraries

This is by the Fifth Estate, the best documentary investigative program in Canada bar none, imo.