Bibiana science board steps down over refusal to publish review of LGBT+ book
Children's art gallery director says review does not fall under institution's scope.
The scientific board of the Bibiana Revue magazine published by the children’s art gallery Bibiana is stepping down.
According to editor-in-chief Eva Andrejčáková, the magazine planned to include a review of a children's book dealing with the topic of non-binary and transgender people. The Slovak version of the book is called "Stáva sa Elu", which translates into Becoming Elu.
However, Bibiana director Petra Flach refused to publish the review, reports SITA newswire. The board accused her of censorship.
Flach, Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová's friend, insists that the move was not censorship, but a responsible decision in regards to the scope of the institution dedicated to children, children's literature and the education of children through art, and that sexual education and changing gender does not fall under that scope.
According to her, it was a done deal, expected to agree with it and not comment on anything. She says that this is a sensitive topic that needs to be approached with respect and proposes an open discussion, taking into account the views of psychologists and experts.
"I do not oppose or forbid the Bibiana Revue providing an expert space on this topic. But I want to know why we want to talk about this topic in an art magazine," explained Flach.
Flach has no experience in cultural management. Like Šimkovičová, who is notorious for her homophobic and anti-immigration views, Flach shared disinformation posts on her social media page in the past.
In May, the culture minister criticised some of the titles that have been awarded as the Most Beautiful Books of Slovakia. One of these books focused on respectful communication with LGBT+ people.
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