Reads With Rachel on The Truth About Book Banning Artwork

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Finally, a home for the spice you love and the representation you deserve. We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, builds a judgment-free zone for readers who crave spicy plots and substance. We celebrate high-heat stories and inclusive casts. If you want open-door romance that features every body, you found the right show.

What to expect:

Trope Breakdowns: We dissect the best (and hottest) tropes in the genre.
Author Interviews: Hear the story behind the spice from your favorite creators.
Shelf Help: Expert guidance to help you conquer your TBR pile.
Inclusive Stories: We prioritize representative leads and diverse voices.

Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. We leave the shame at the door and celebrate the power of a well-written romance.

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We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Reads With Rachel on The Truth About Book Banning

August 20, 2025 • WeReadSmut • Season 2 • Episode 7

0:00 | 50:46

You might think book banning is a thing of the past, but it is happening now in communities all over the United States. Today on We Read Smut, we're pulling back the curtain on this critical issue with a special guest, Rachel of Reads with Rachel. Join us as we demystify what book banning really is, who it targets, and what we as parents, readers, and lovers of smut can do to make a difference in our local communities.

Rachel is a passionate book content creator and the force behind Reads with Rachel. Her journey into advocacy began when she saw books being challenged in her own county, prompting her to use her platform to fight back against censorship. With a direct, no-nonsense approach, Rachel educates her audience on the insidious tactics used to limit access to books and empowers them with actionable ways to defend the freedom to read.

In this episode, we're discussing:

What "book banning" truly means and how it's a slow, incremental process of removing access, not just a federal ban.
The insidious link between banning books and trying to erase the existence of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ people.
Examples of the kinds of books being targeted, from queer picture books to poetry and even young adult fiction.
How these censorship efforts, while starting in schools and libraries, will eventually impact adult readers and smut books.

Feeling fired up and ready to fight back? Listen to the full episode for concrete actions you can take to support your local libraries and defend the freedom to read! Follow Rachel on YouTube at Reads with Rachel, and join her Julie Hates This Book Club for more conversation and fun.

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BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson (Amazon)

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (Amazon)

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson (Amazon)

Milk and Honey by Ruby Carr (Amazon)

Ban this Book by Alan Gratz (Amazon)

Katie the Catsitter 2 by Colleen AF Venable (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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