ABA Apologizes for ‘Anti-Trans’ Title

Last week, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) took some heat for including Abigail Shrier’s book, Irreversible Damage, in a promotional box to more than 750 member stores. Recipients found the choice insensitive at best and actively harmful to trans booksellers and stakeholders. And then when the ABA tried to apologize, it took even hotter heat from conservative and anti-censorship voices. All in all, it was a tough week for the ol’ ABA.

Since bigots are yelling about 'Irreversible Damage' again, periodic reminder that it's just white nationalist replacement theory with extra steps. The reason they're obsessed with fertility is because they think guys medically transitioning means fewer white children being born.

— Kathryn #GoBolts🌩️ Brightbill ✒️ (@KEBrightbill) July 15, 2021

The ABA, whose tweets are now private, quickly issued a statement calling the inclusion of Shrier’s book “a serious and violent incident that goes against ABA’s policies.” Later, in an email, CEO Allison Hill also apologized for another recent gaffe, in which they confused the cover of Blackout by conservative author Candace Owens  with the cover of young adult novel Blackout, written by six black women on the ABA’s indie bestsellers list.

“I want to apologize for both of these harms and for the pain that ABA has caused,” said Hill’s statement. “But I know only action matters.” Both statements vow to take concrete action to remedy whatever procedures lead to these missteps.

Yet booksellers and others outraged by the ABA’s recent behavior think the apologies are not enough. The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly cite stakeholders who ask that the ABA give books by trans authors free space in future promotional mailings.

Okay here's the thing that always bothers me about Capital A Apologies: when ppl say something like "no amount of apologies or explanations can undo the hurt we've caused, blah blah blah"

I always feel like…SOME amount of explanations couldn't hurt…like…for transparency…

— ✨ Rebecca Speas #AbolishICE ✨ (@SpeasySpice) July 15, 2021

Shrier’s book, which I’ve previously covered, is a deep dive into what the book calls the “trans epidemic,” and offers data and advice for parents of children who may identify as trans. Here’s a good thread debunking some of what she presents as fact.

Nevertheless, Shrier’s champions online defend her right to do so and further, think it’s reasonable for the ABA to promote her book like they would any other.

So much for indie bookstores promoting a variety of voices, eh?@ABAbook should hang their heads in shame for apologizing. You saw a worthy book, and you promoted it.
1/#FirstAmendmenthttps://t.co/N2htywak8B

— Michael Heister 🎥🎭🗞✌️ (@michaelheister) July 16, 2021

If there were a Hall of Fame for capitulations to Woke bullies, the American Booksellers Association is hereby inducted.

The "serious, violent incident" they perpetrated? Including my book in a large box of new book samples sent out to independent booksellers. https://t.co/SgnKvPy4AU

— Abigail Shrier (@AbigailShrier) July 15, 2021

The Washington Post reports that sales of Irreversible Damage surged last week, as they did back in November when Target pulled Shrier’s novel from its shelves.