About this book
"Stay Gold" by Tobly McSmith follows the journey of BL, a transgender teenager navigating the challenges of high school life, friendship, and self-acceptance. As BL grapples with societal norms and personal identity, the novel explores themes of love, resilience, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often feels unwelcoming. Its significance lies in its honest portrayal of a trans character, offering visibility and representation in contemporary young adult literature.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Stay Gold" by Tobly McSmith faced bans at the school level across various districts in the United States, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ content and perceived immorality. Notably, in several states, including Texas and Florida, school boards voted to remove the book from libraries and curricula following formal complaints from parent-teacher associations and conservative advocacy groups. These actions reflect a broader trend of challenges against LGBTQ+ literature in educational settings, with many bans upheld despite pushback from students and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+Moral |
