Rainbow books returning to shelves
It is a victory for art and freedom of expression in Kentucky public schools as LGBTQ+ books that were earlier pulled from the school shelves are now back thanks to the resilience of their authors and supporters. One such author is Rachel Elliott, for whom art is a passion acquired since her childhood in the serene countryside of Oklahoma.
Her journey began in the third grade with drawing lessons at a family friend’s home, nestled next to a strawberry field. This love for drawing continued to grow as she pursued fine art at Truman State University and evolved into a love for art theory and painting. Aside from her illustrations, Elliott has a deep connection with reading comic strips, taking cue from the “Peanuts.” This influenced her application to Truman State University where she answered the admission essay question in an unusual comic version instead of a conventional written essay.
In 2022, Elliott debuted as an author with her graphic novel, “The Real Riley Mayes.” The book follows the life of a fifth-grade girl who is a fan of TV comedian, Joy Powers. The book encompasses themes of friendship and identity exploration. The novel gained recognition from the Stonewall Book Awards in 2023 for its LGBTQ+ representation and was honored by the American Library Association’s Rainbow Round Table.
Despite the acclaim, the novel was not spared from backlash. It was removed from libraries in three different states, due to its depiction of LGBTQ+ characters and themes. The debate over the appropriateness of discussing such topics in school libraries caused an uproar.
Yet the public did not remain silent. The overwhelming response of supporters galvanized the reinstatement of Elliott’s book along with hundreds of other books. Among these three is a library in Boyle County, right here in Kentucky.
This triumph is especially significant for Elliott who identifies as queer and spent her childhood in rural Oklahoma during the 1980s and ‘90s when the discussion about gay individuals was virtually non-existent. The reinstatement of her book and others like it signifies a marked shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues and open discussions.
Elliott’s passion, however, extends beyond her book and into the classroom. She currently teaches a comics writing class in the University of Kentucky’s Department of Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies (WRD). Her students include passionate comic readers, as well as those simply looking to complete their core credits, fostering an environment where everyone works on projects they love.
As she continues to move forward, Elliott is already working on her next project – a mystery story, with plans for more books in the future that depict LGBTQ+ representation. Her ambition is not just about furthering her personal career; it’s about helping to shape a world where everyone is represented, and every story has a voice.
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