Under the proposed Model Policies Concerning Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content from the Virginia Department of Education, parents would be notified of books or instructional materials with "sexually explicit" content. Parental involvement is always important but I oppose this policy as it leaves in place the § 2.2-2827 definition of "sexual content" which includes homosexuality alongside sadomasochism and bestiality among others. It also expands content to include all books within a school library. Age-appropriate LGBTQ+ books contain stories and can help queer children and their allies find context, purpose, and humanity. Help keep these books in our schools! Students need to see themselves in books, without representation students feel isolation and are at further risk of more serious impacts of not being seen and respected for who they are.