Authors of Trans-Affirming Kids' Books Come Together for Virtual Event

An international Zoom event this Saturday will bring together four authors to discuss the new affirming books for trans and nonbinary children they've each recently published. Hosted by the Bureau of General Services - Queer Division, the New York City LGBTQ+ bookstore and event space, the conversation will feature Swedish authors Camilla Gisslow and Marcus Tallberg, and U.S. authors Ris iRAWniQ Anderson and Jodie Patterson. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to noon Eastern.

The authors will discuss their books as well as the experiences that provided the inspiration and courage to share their affirmational truths with others.

Gisslow, author of the Perfectly Me series of gender identity coming-out stories for and about kids, will discuss how her 4-year-old child's clear explanation that "he was not a girl but a boy" set mother and son on a shared journey of discovery.

Nonbinary, masculine-identified author and actor Anderson will discuss Charlie's Best Work Yet, their children's tale of a young androgynous girl who comes to terms with her identity through the inspiration of her new idol, Grace Jones.

Patterson, the mother of five children, including who are two gender-nonconforming, was recognized as 2018's Most Influential Mom by Family Circle magazine. She will discuss her book Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, which shows the importance of community and acceptance.

Finally, Tallberg, founder of Swedish LGBTQ+ publisher Tallbergs Forlag, will discuss his semi-autobiographical book, My Teen Queer Life, which he wrote with Emma Borck.

The event is free, although there is a suggested donation of $5. Registration on Eventbrite is required to receive a Zoom link. You can make a donation of any amount when you register.

The Bureau of General Services - Queer Division, located in Manhattan, is an independent, all-volunteer, LGBTQ+ bookstore, event space, and queer cultural center that had to temporarily close its doors due to the pandemic. It has remained open for online sales, though, and has a full schedule of virtual events open to the public.