MUST WATCH: Gays Against Groomers member gives impassioned speech opposing pornographic books in school libraries

A powerful speech given by Abington Selectman and Gays Against Groomers member Alex Hagerty has been shared on social media in which Hagerty makes a passionate argument against schools providing children with pornographic literature in the name of LGBT inclusivity.

Hagerty was speaking in front of a school committee in Abington, Massachusetts in October addressing the issue of explicit books, such as This Book is Gay, on the shelves of school libraries.

A very emotional Hagerty, himself a gay man, began by saying he knew what it was like to walk the halls of Abington High School and not be comfortable enough to be himself. He said he saw the bullying, the heckling and the stereotyping of fellow gay students who were out, stating that he understood "acceptance matters."

He added LGBTQ students need support systems in place where they can seek guidance, places where they can gain the confidence to accept who they are, but he argues that promoting books like This Book is Gay, by Juno Dawson "does not help with LGBTQ acceptance."

"The Gay Rights Movement was founded to advance equality, treat people with dignity and respect and denounce and reject wrongful stereotypes, caricatures and stigmas," said Hagerty, who added that books like Dawson’s, with its "explicit sexual language, graphic imagery, and dangerous scenarios," don’t represent the majority of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.

"The people who equate my community to these books, and saying they should be for children, are reattaching the erroneous stereotypes and caricatures and stigmas the Gay Rights Movement fought to get away from," said Hagerty, to enthusiastic applause from the assembled audience. 

"I don't care if the literature is straight, gay or cartoon," Hagerty added, "sexual material that illustrates how to perform sexual acts promote dangerous apps, and advocate irresponsible behavior is not a book that public schools should be putting into the hands of children."

This Book is Gay has been found on the shelves of schools across the US, sparking outrage and protests from parents due to its explicit sexual content. But Hagerty’s speech highlights another danger contained within its pages. 

Hagerty said a gay dating app is promoted in the book, and told of how when he was younger, he met someone through the app who attempted to rape him. He therefore believes having such books on display "put LGBTQ kids in danger."

“LGBTQ kids need tolerance and acceptance and our support, not stereotypes, caricatures and stigmas,” said Hagerty. “If people want to promote tolerance and acceptance, then support and assist the Abington High School GSA with private funding for age-appropriate educational books, speakers, awareness, merchandise, guidance, tools, and friendly events like perhaps a dance.”