PEN America

@penamerica

We stand at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the U.S. and worldwide. Support and learn more at pen.org.

343 Folgt16.292 Follower1.814 Posts

Bluesky

Ist das dein Profil?Übernimm es — dann gehört dir penamerica.dirty.social.Profil übernehmen

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 13

A Photographer’s Outrage Over Forbidden Words Inspired the Exhibit "Unspeakable: Getting the Word(s) Out" at Rhode Island's Hera Gallery. Read more about Kathie Florsheim’s new installation based on the Trump administration's disfavored words and phrases at https://pen.org/banned-words-installation/

An art installation displaying various banned words written on separate papers, such as "gender based violence," "fetus," "climate change," and "diversity." The heading discusses the impact of the Trump Administration's banned words list. The installation is part of a blog post by PEN America.

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 13

Honor Liu Xiaobo’s legacy by reading, sharing, and amplifying the works and stories of persecuted writers. Begin with Liu’s work: pen.org/writer-at-ri...

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 13

Liu Xiaobo was a writer, Nobel Peace laureate, former president of the Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC), and #FreedomToWrite Awardee. Today marks 9 years since he died while in custody of the Chinese government. Liu was serving an 11-year prison sentence for his words. pen.org/press-releas...

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 9

Join us this month for our "Summer Office Hours" webinar series for staff and administrators on campus. Our first conversation is July 14, “Reimagining Accountability When Addressing Harm on Campus” hosted by @penamerica.bsky.social. Register here: pen-america-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 8

Different Seasons by Stephen King, has become the 36th book on Utah's "No-Read List" — and the 17th book banned in 2026 alone. See the full list of banned books in Utah (with a clickable Bookshop link on each cover for those who want to buy them) at: https://pen.org/books-banned-in-utah/

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 8

This #DisabilityPrideMonth, join us in celebrating, reading, and sharing stories by or about people with disabilities. Check out — and shop — this #bannedbooks reading list on @bookshop.org: bookshop.org/lists/2026-d...

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 7

The decision to strike down higher education provisions of Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act “strengthens longstanding protections for academic freedom and reaffirms that public officials cannot use state power to favor one ideology over another," says William Johnson, director of PEN America Florida.

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 7

How have efforts to exert control over higher ed evolved recently? What’s up with these “civic education” centers at public universities? What’s going on in states like Florida and Texas? Join Democracy Notes and Lumina Foundation for "What's happening in higher ed?" us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 7

Free expression is fundamental to participation in civic life. With #AmericaSpeaks, we’re asking people across America how they choose to make their voices heard. These quotes reflect the views of the speakers and not necessarily those of PEN America. Add your voice at: pen.org/america-spea...

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 3

With #AmericaSpeaks we are embracing dialectical discourse. Not everyone sees free expression and the history of the First Amendment the same way, and that’s okay. These quotes reflect the views of the speakers and not necessarily those of PEN America. Add your voice at: pen.org/america-spea...

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 3

What book would YOU gift America on its 250th birthday? Here are the selections we heard from some of the high-profile writers in attendance at this year's PEN America Literary Gala. #America250 #PENGala #AmericaSpeaks

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 2

Are you a writer on the hunt for a new reading group? Look no further. PEN America’s online book club, exclusive to professional members, kicked off in June with an engrossing discussion about neurologist Pria Anand’s The Mind Electric. Learn more: pen.org/pria-anand-b... #PENAmericaBookClub

This image features a book titled "The Mind Electric" by Pria Anand, which has an award sticker on the cover. Below the book cover is a section promoting Pria Anand at the PEN America Book Club.

PEN America@penamerica· Jul 2

When it comes to building a culture of free expression, "writers have a critical role to play," PEN America co-CEO @selopez.bsky.social tells The Guardian. "But each of us has a role too." Read more at: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

Quote by PEN America co-CEO Supper Lopez reads: "As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we must seize this moment to build a genuine culture of free expression for all. That requires standing up for those whose voices are most under attack, defending everyone’s right to speak even when we deeply disagree with what is being said and dismantling barriers to an equitable exercise of these rights." Quote originally appeared in The Guardian

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 30

PEN America announces the selection of 11 Emerging Voices Fellows for 2026, marking a milestone year as the program celebrates its 30th anniversary. Read the full announcement: https://pen.org/press-release/eleven-writers-chosen-as-emerging-voices-fellows-for-2026-largest-applicant-pool-in-30-years/

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 28

Music that inspires. Stolen moments. Early mornings. Here are some of the ways writers at the 2026 #PENWorldVoices told us they start, find time for — and wrap up — their writing each day. Tell us in the comments what #WritingHabits work — or don't work — for you.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 27

Whether you're traveling far and wide this summer or sticking to local weekend getaways, it's time to start building your TBR pile with PEN America's summer road trip reading list. See all our picks at: bookshop.org/lists/on-the... #summerreading #roadtrips #beachreads

Image of a book list titled "On The Road: A 2026 Summer Road Trip Reading List" by PEN America. The background features illustrations of a dotted path with sandals, an airplane, car, tent, and trees. Book covers shown include "Happy Place" by Emily Henry, "Nevada" by Imogen Binnie, "Villa CoCo" by Andrew Sean Greer, and "Adult Braces" by Lindy West.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 27

On his 36th birthday, jailed poet Galal El-Behairy wants to share his words with the world. The Egyptian government has kept Galal — the 2025 #FreedomToWrite Award Honoree — in jail since 2018. Read and share his poem: pen.org/galal-el-beh... #FreeGalal

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 26

Sign the petition to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki calling on the government to provide #ProofOfLife, accountability, and justice for the 12 Eritrean writers and journalists held without charge, trial, or contact with their families for nearly 25 years. www.pen-international.org/proof-of-lif...

A list of names is displayed, including Amanuel Asrat, Dawit Habtemichael, Dawit Isaak, and others, with descriptions such as poet, journalist, and playwright. Below the list, there's a call to action: "Join the PEN network in demanding proof of life now. Learn more and take action at pen-international.org." PEN America, PEN Eritrea and PEN International logos are at the bottom.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 23

NEW: The Kansas Board of Regents have codified educational censorship, says PEN America’s Amy Reid. PEN America has expressed concern over definitions of “DEI-CRT-related-content” which were adopted by the Kansas Board of Regents to comply with legislation passed this spring.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 23

When a scholar is targeted, what should a university do? We talk to Dr. Bethany Letiecq, who experienced an onslaught of online abuse after publishing a research paper on how structural forces like white supremacy and heteropatriarchy shape inequality in family life. More at: pen.org/scholar-targ...

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 23

One of PEN America's central goals is to support writers—novelists, playwrights, translators, poets, journalists and scholars—who have the courage to speak out and risk adversity in order to tell their truths. These quotes reflect the views of the speakers and not necessarily those of PEN America.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 22

“An attack on even one writer should be read as a warning to everyone else that the right to dissent is in danger,” writes PEN America’s Liesl Gerntholtz in @justsecurity.org. “Their imprisonment demands solidarity from all who value free expression.” Read more: www.justsecurity.org/141321/gover...

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 19

Celebrate #Juneteenth by discovering powerful poetry, gripping fiction, and illuminating historical accounts. PEN America's curated reading list offers a gateway to understanding the complex narratives that have shaped the African American experience. See the full list: bookshop.org/lists/junete...

A collage of book covers surrounds a central text: "PEN America Staff Picks to Read This Juneteenth." Featured books include "The ABCs of Black History," "Flamboyants," "Juneteenth," and "Jubilee." The background is a mix of colorful and vivid designs.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 18

"The First Amendment is not applied evenly, and there is a very clear double standard when it comes to rap and the people who produce it," Erik Nielson, a professor at the University of Richmond, who co-authored the book Rap on Trial, tells PEN America. Read more: https://pen.org/rap-on-trial/

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 18

PEN America Warns FCC Against Targeting ‘The View’ Over Protected Speech. Read the full comment we sent to the FCC—and learn how to make your voice heard before public comments close June 22—at: https://pen.org/press-release/pen-america-warns-fcc-against-targeting-the-view-over-protected-speech/

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 16

For centuries, Black voices in the United States have been a north star for speaking out against injustice. As we prepare to celebrate #Juneteenth, let's reflect on how history continues to inform the present. These quotes reflect the views of the speakers and not necessarily those of PEN America.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 15

The World Cup has kicked off — but there's still time to take your footballing knowledge up a notch. Our newest reading list on Bookshop offers you some great ways to discover the sport’s storied history—and impress your fellow fans: bookshop.org/lists/2026-w... #WorldCup #FootballIsLife #Reading

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 14

MS NOW journalist and author Ali Velshi joined us at the 2026 #PENGala, where presented the PEN/Benenson Courage Award to the Rutherford County, Tennessee, Library Alliance. On the event's red carpet, he spoke to us about the challenges journalists face within the U.S. today. #journalism

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 13

Audio reader, e-book, or physical copy? First person or third? Single narrator or multi? We're asking the tough questions. Drop your book takes in the comments.

PEN America@penamerica· Jun 11

In a new Member Spotlight, literary agent Renée Zuckerbrot discusses what draws her to a manuscript, the effects of the industry’s financial challenges on agents and editors today, and the joy of literary community. https://pen.org/conversation-with-renee-zuckerbrot/ #authors #agents #books