Pink to give away 2,000 banned books at Florida concerts to protest anti-free speech and LGBTQ policies

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pink is taking a stand against Florida's anti-free speech and anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

The pop sensation, 44, will collaborate with non-profit PEN America to distribute thousands of prohibited books at her next Florida concerts, the organization formally announced on Monday.

Banned books will be given away to the first 1,000 fans

New copies of often banned books will be given away to the first 1,000 fans who come at each show of the Grammy winner's TRUSTFALL Tour, which stops in Miami on Tuesday and Sunrise, Florida, on Wednesday, as reported by People.

The hitmaker has selected books that tackle issues of race and sexual identity. Titles include Todd Parr's picture book 'The Family Book', Toni Morrison's novel 'Beloved', Amanda Gorman's poetry collection 'The Hill We Climb', and a book for middle-aged readers from the 'Girls Who Code' series.

Pink's collaboration coincides with Florida's recent implementation of laws restricting free speech in the classroom, such as the Individual Freedom Act, which was passed in July 2022 and, according to the ACLU, restricts the ways in which systemic racism and discrimination are taught in classrooms and workplaces.

Additionally, last year, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that restricts discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in schools. This bill is commonly referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

According to PEN America, the state in the South currently holds the top spot for the greatest number of books that are prohibited in public school classrooms and libraries across the nation, accounting for more than 40% of all books that are prohibited nationwide.

The singer of "Just Give Me a Reason" revealed her motivation for using her platform to distribute books that are out of print in a press release.

Pink says 'books have held a special joy for me'

The recording artist said, “Books have held a special joy for me from the time I was a child, and that’s why I am unwilling to stand by and watch while books are banned by schools."

She continued, “It’s especially hateful to see authorities take aim at books about race and racism and against LGBTQ authors and those of color. We have made so many strides toward equality in this country and no one should want to see this progress reversed. This is why I am supporting PEN America in its work and why I agree with them: no more banned books.”

In an effort to raise awareness about book bans, the singer-songwriter herself announced the collaboration on Instagram on Sunday by conducting a live chat with 25-year-old author Amanda Gorman and CEO of PEN America Suzanne Nossel.

She revealed her decision to be a part of the movement when she announced the Instagram Live. She wrote in the caption, “As a mom of two young readers, I can’t imagine letting someone else decide what MY CHILDREN can and cannot read!”.

The singer shares  daughter Willow, 12, and son Jameson, 6, with husband Carey Hart.

Pink has supported many rights organizations

Pink has long supported organizations like Planned Parenthood, the Human Rights Campaign, and others, and has used her platform to speak out on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and women's rights, among other causes.

After the Supreme Court reversed Roe v Wade in 2022, the "Raise Your Glass" singer vented her annoyance on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed hope for a better future.

"I think all of our nerves are collectively fried from so many years of racism, misogyny, homophobia, etc. +pandemics, mass shootings, wars and the total lunacy, hypocrisy, ignorance of the GOP-it's all a bit much," wrote the performer. "But we will stick together. Good will prevail over evil."