In March Canada recognizes International Transgender Day of Visibility. Canada is aware of the contributions made by Trans members of the community and the discrimination they face due to transphobia.
Trans Day of Visibility invites all Canadians to resolve to fight for gender equity.
Advocating for human rights means supporting gender diversity. One way to better understand the daily realities of gender-diverse communities is to explore adult, youth and junior fiction and non-fiction titles written by those who have lived these experiences.
L&A Libraries suggests the following as excellent non-fiction youth titles on this topic:
Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings
Named one of Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Teens,” this activist asks people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths.
Some Assembly Required: The Not-so-secret Life of a Transgender Teen by Arin Andrews
This memoir explores two transgender tweens: Katie, an MTF transgender, and Arin, an FTM transgender, who met against all odds and fell in love.
Before I Had the Words: On Being a Transgender Young Adult by Skylar Kergil
Based on the wildly popular YouTube video series created by the author inviting others to witness his experience of physical and emotional changes.
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
Traces the emotional and physical journey of six individuals as they transition genders.
This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
Frank, funny and fully inclusive look at sexual orientation and gender identity.
See the complete list of suggestions here.
Jennifer is a Librarian at the Amherstview Branch of the L&A Libraries. She regularly writes awareness pieces that offer book suggestions relating to important and commemorative days in Canada.
