As cruel legislation targeting transgender youth has surged nationwide, our team at the Campaign for Southern Equality has been at the frontlines of the crisis, offering direct support, accurate information, and practical solutions when it comes to accessing gender-affirming care or staying safe in school.
Through this relentless period, we've met so many trans youth and the people who love them, listening to their stories and understanding how they're grappling with these challenges – and finding joy everywhere they can.
Now, we're honored to share these stories with you through Trans Kids, Our Kids: Stories and Resources from the Frontlines of the Movement for Transgender Youth. All proceeds from the book will support the Trans Youth Emergency Project, which directly supports families of transgender youth.
This event will include a conversation with the authors; reading from TRANS KIDS, OUR KIDS; a panel discussion that includes co-authors Alexis Stratton and Adam Polaski, and cover designer Liz Williams; a Q&A focused on how you can take action; and a book signing.
Advance registration is very much appreciated. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
SPEAKER BIOS
Alexis Stratton (they/them) has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, and their stories and essays have appeared in storySouth, Hayden's Ferry Review, Matador Review, and Oyez Review, among other publications. In 2022, their chapbook Anywhere Else but Here was published by Fjords Review, and in 2023, they won the James River Writers’ and Richmond Magazine’s Best Unpublished Novel Contest. Alexis lives in Richmond, VA, where they work as a freelance writer and an LGBTQ+ rights advocate.
Adam Polaski (he/him) is the Communications & Political Director for the Campaign for Southern Equality. Throughout his career he has provided communications support to a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including Freedom to Marry, The Brigid Alliance, the Local Solutions Support Center, GLSEN, and Freedom for All Americans. He has been recognized for Excellence in Online Journalism by the National Gay & Lesbian Journalists Association, and his writing has been published in Hello Mr., The Seventh Wave, The Bilerico Project, and Love Unites Us, an anthology book about the marriage movement. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in journalism from Ithaca College and now lives in Asheville, NC.
Liz Williams (she/they) is a visual artist based in Asheville, NC, with 15 years of experience blending photography, digital mixed media, and graphic design to explore the interconnectedness of community and identity as a Black Southern queer artist. As the Creative Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality's art program, Southern Equality Studios, she uses her art to empower and advocate for LGBTQ equality. Her work includes collaborations with organizations like CSE, QORDS, Gender Benders, and Equality NC. Recognized with the Tzedek Impact Award and the Center for Craft’s Craft Futures Fund, Williams’ art has been exhibited at Black Mountain College Museum, Revolve Gallery, Center for Craft, and Durham’s Click! Photography Festival, and is part of the Asheville Art Museum's permanent collection.