Welcoming Schools, a program of the Human Rights Campaign, in partnership with Shir Tikvah Congregation and the co-sponsors listed below*, invites you to join us for a community reading of the children's book, I Am Jazz, along with a panel discussion on creating welcoming school environments for all of our kids. I Am Jazz is the story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere. Senator Scott Dibble will also j...
Welcoming Schools, a program of the Human Rights Campaign, in partnership with Shir Tikvah Congregation and the co-sponsors listed below*, invites you to join us for a community reading of the children's book, I Am Jazz, along with a panel discussion on creating welcoming school environments for all of our kids. I Am Jazz is the story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere. Senator Scott Dibble will also join us to give a quick legislative update.
BACKGROUND: In late 2015, an elementary school in Mount Horeb, Wis., planned a reading and discussion of the children’s book, I Am Jazz, as part of their efforts to support one of the school’s students — a six-year-old transgender child who had recently socially transitioned and was attending the school openly as the girl she knew herself to be. Prior to the reading, an anti-LGBT hate group learned of the event and threatened to sue the school, calling for the school to cancel the discussion. But the Mount Horeb community rallied behind the school and the transgender student. A parent in the community organized a reading of I Am Jazz at the local library. The audience — full of children, parents, grandparents and community members — put courage before fear and turned out to learn more about how they could support the full humanity of transgender children and youth in their own backyard.
On April 28, communities all across the nation will host their own events — inspired by the Mount Horeb community. The Human Rights Campaign — through HRC’s Welcoming Schools program — has created this opportunity to help build more affirming and supportive spaces for transgender and gender-expansive children and youth across the country. Children, parents, teachers, and community members are all encouraged to attend. We hope you'll join us!
*Co-sponsored by Avenues for Homeless Youth, The Bridge for Youth, Human Rights Campaign, J-Pride, Magers & Quinn Booksellers, Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition, National Council of Jewish Women - Minneapolis, OutFront Minnesota, Shir Tikvah Congregation, Transforming Families, and Welcoming Schools (co-sponsor list in formation, please send a message if your organization would like to be a co-sponsor!)
