aBOUT uS
Our Team
J TURPIN
Co-Founder, Co-Director
SOLEIL GIGNAC
Co-Founder, Co-Director
JORDAN ANDERSON-GIGNAC
Co-Founder, Co-DirectorLavender Symbolism
Lavender holds deep historical and cultural meaning within the LGBTQIA+ community. Its association developed over time through influences such as Victorian literature, early feminist movements, and pivotal events like the Stonewall Riots. Rooted in both artistic expression and activism, lavender became a symbol of identity, resistance, and visibility, and it continues to represent LGBTQIA+ history and pride today.
History of the Carabiner
The carabiner lesbian symbol emerged from outdoor culture, where the tool represents strength, safety, and connection. During World War II, blue‑collar women used carabiners on their belt loops as a subtle way to signal their identity to other lesbians. Though less widely recognized than other LGBTQIA+ symbols, the carabiner remains meaningful to many for what it represents.
Number of Books Challenged Per State:
(Source: The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom).
Carabiner Collections was established in 2023 by three grassroots activists with a passion for providing accessible resources to the LGBTQ+ community of the Brazos Valley of Texas. Living in the area, we witnessed ongoing conflict surrounding Texas's efforts to ban books authored by and aimed at LGBTQ+ individuals.
Texas bans three times more books per year than any other state. 45% of these books were written by or about LGBTQIA+ people.
Hence, our mission; A community library for LGBTQIA+ literature!