The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) expresses its support and stands in solidarity with ALA members who have experienced racism, discrimination, and microaggressions within our association, most recently, but certainly not only at the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting. We are categorically opposed to the harassment and aggression toward people of color in our profession and our professional community, online and in person.
The GLBTRT is also deeply concerned and disturbed to have been made aware of past instances of homophobic and bullying remarks directed at a GLBTRT member on Council during a discussion on a Council resolution. We are equally categorically opposed to the harassment, bullying, and discrimination of our members, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Recognizing and celebrating the wonderful diversity and intersectionality of voices and rich, lived experiences within the library community, and of the initial steps taken by ALA to address issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion through the efforts of the Office of Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS), the GLBTRT acknowledges there is much more work to be done, and will continue to help create safe spaces for these voices to be heard and play an active role in our organization. In conjunction with ODLOS, and in solidarity with ALA’s five ethnic affiliates, the American Indian Library Association, the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, the Chinese American Librarians Association, and the Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, the GLBTRT will continue to work toward greater inclusion within our association and professional community in whatever capacity it can.
The GLBTRT also calls on the American Library Association to be more proactive and transparent in reporting instances of racism, bullying, and discrimination and the action taken to address these instances, to review and reinforce its code of conduct at all levels of the organization, and to provide opportunities for all members to participate in this review.
Posted on behalf of the GLBTRT Executive Board.
