A Republican candidate for Missouri Secretary of State, Valentina Gomez, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a campaign video posted Tuesday, in which she burns books inclusive of LGBTQ themes. In the video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, Gomez is seen using a flamethrower to destroy at least two books while making a discriminatory statement about her intentions if elected.

Campaign video sparks outrage and debate

“This is what I will do to the grooming books when I become secretary of state,” declared Gomez, 24, of St. Louis, before setting the books ablaze. “These books come from a Missouri public library. When I’m in office, they will burn.” She further peppered her post with the slogans “MAGA” and “America First.”

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The video, which has drawn criticism and concern from various quarters, showcased Gomez targeting titles such as “Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teens” and “Naked: Not Your Average Sex Encyclopedia.” Following the post, X restricted its visibility, citing potential violation of its rules against Hateful Conduct.

Gomez’s campaign director, Maicoll Gomez, defended the action in a statement, stressing a stance against what they describe as the sexualisation and indoctrination of children through library materials. “You want to be gay? Fine be gay. Just don’t do it around children,” the statement read, outlining a series of positions against LGBTQ visibility and discussions of gender identity in educational settings.

Advocates and authors respond to book burning

The move has sparked a backlash from advocates of freedom of expression and LGBTQ rights. PEN America, through its Freedom to Read project director Kasey Meehan, condemned the book burning as a disturbing act that recalls a dark history of censorship and marginalisation. “To see books torched – books that serve as guides for young LGBTQ+ people or offer sexual education – is appalling,” Meehan stated.

Authors of the targeted books have also spoken out. Kathy Belge, co-author of “Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teens,” highlighted the vulnerability of LGBTQ teens and criticised Gomez’s actions as harmful. Citing statistics from the Trevor Project, Belge explained that LGBTQ teens are vulnerable and antics like this only add to their risk of being targets of violence and self-hate. Around 41% of LGBTQ+ teens have seriously considered suicide and that number increases to 50% for trans and nonbinary youth.

Belge said: “I suggest this candidate leave queer kids alone and focuses instead on the real issues that will make lives of people in Missouri better.”

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This incident comes against a backdrop of increasing book challenges and bans across the United States. According to PEN America, Missouri banned 333 books during the 2022-23 academic year, part of a broader trend that saw a 20% increase in book challenges nationwide from January to August 2023, as reported by the American Library Association. Critics argue that such actions threaten free expression and the inclusive mission of public libraries.