Actor and activist George Takei is turning his spotlight toward a cause close to his heart: defending the right to read. The “Star Trek” star, 88, was named honorary chair of Banned Books Week, running Oct. 5-11, the American Library Association announced Monday.
Across the U.S., libraries and bookstores will spotlight works that have faced censorship, including Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer and Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye. Takei’s involvement underscores the cultural importance of these discussions and brings a personal touch from someone who has long championed civil rights and LGBTQ+ visibility.
A Personal Connection to the Fight Against Censorship
Takei has spoken about the profound effect that limited access to information had on him. “I remember all too well the lack of access to books and media that I needed growing up,” he said. “First as a child in a barbed-wire prison camp, then as a gay young man in the closet, I felt confused and hungry for understanding about myself and the world around me.”
His experiences, from internment during World War II to navigating life as a queer man in mid-20th century America, fuel his advocacy. He urges the public to oppose censorship, emphasizing that books allow readers to discover themselves and connect with others.
Continuing a Legacy of Champions
Banned Books Week, established in 1982, has previously featured high-profile honorary chairs such as Ava DuVernay, LeVar Burton, and Jason Reynolds. Takei joins this lineup with a message both urgent and hopeful: reading should never be restricted by politics or prejudice.
Sharing the spotlight, honorary youth chair Iris Mogul, a first-year student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, will also lead events. Mogul has been actively campaigning against book bans for years, representing the next generation of advocates who will continue the fight for intellectual freedom.
Why It Matters
Banned Books Week is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder that books often become targets because they challenge norms or address marginalized experiences. From graphic novels to classic literature, the week highlights works that illuminate, question, and educate.
Takei’s involvement brings renewed attention to the movement, reminding readers of all ages that access to ideas is essential. As libraries and bookstores nationwide prepare their events, the message is clear: knowledge is a right, not a privilege.
