Leadership & Inclusion

Celebrate LBGTQ+ History

LBGTQ+ October 13, 2022 10:00 am

October is LBGTQ+ History Month. The American Psychological Association publishes award-winning books for kids and teens exploring LBGTQ+ history and features biographies that focus on pioneering figures who fought for diversity and acceptance. Explore our collection: The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford—Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG by Rob Sanders This is a true story of parental support and unconditional love. When the son of Jeanne Manford, the cofounder of PFLAG, was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets, Manford wrote a powerful letter that was published in the New York Post. She came out as the mother of a gay son. Morty invited his mother to march with him in the June 1972 Christopher Street Parade. While marching, she had the idea to form a group to help parents and families of LGBTQ+ people. That was the beginning of PFLAG. Check out the book. “In the tradition of picture books centered on a parent-child bond, rhythmic repetition reinforces messages of love and acceptance in this biography of PFLAG cofounder Jeanne Manford (1920–2013).” – Publisher’s Weekly Hear 13 celebrities read The Mother of a Movement aloud. Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX by Jen Barton Title IX was designed to fight injustice based on gender. Today its protections extend to the transgender community. This lively, engaging biography drives home the message that it doesn’t take a person with power to make a difference. More often, it takes determination. When confronted with injustice, regular people can effect change. This book includes extensive backmatter about how to be an activist. Check out the book. Read an interview with the author. Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt by Rob Sanders Mentored by Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones’ shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions. Check out the book. ★ “Its story is beautifully captured in the book’s smooth pacing and brief paragraphs. Readers will follow its journey from that march as it becomes both a monument to mourning and a means of changing the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS…the book is pretty darn impressive. Storytelling and history, beautifully stitched together.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW Read an excerpt from the discussion guide. Hear Stitch by Stitch read aloud. Evelyn Hooker and the Fairy Project by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD This evocative biography tells the story of Evelyn Hooker, the extraordinary woman behind the research, advocacy, and allyship that led to the removal of the “Homosexuality” diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

Celebrate LBGTQ+ History Eileen Hanning 2022-10-12T14:42:02-04:00

Be Like Jeanne: Allies and LBGTQ+ History

families October 12, 2022 1:38 pm By Rob Sanders

When her son Morty was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets, Jeanne Manford wrote a powerful letter to the New York Post to complain about how Morty was treated. In the letter, which was published, she came out as the mother of a gay son. Morty invited his mother to march with him in the June 1972 Christopher Street Parade. While marching, she had the idea to form a group to help parents and families of LGBTQ+ people. That was the beginning of PFLAG. The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford–Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG, by Rob Sanders, is a true story of parental support and unconditional love. Here’s an excerpt from the Discussion Guide at the end of the book. She could listen. She could love. She could learn and lead. She could speak up. She could show support. That's what Jeanne did. Activist—someone who speaks out and protests about a cause or issue, especially a political or social cause. Ally—a person or group who works with others for a common cause or purpose, especially a supporter of a marginalized group, who is usually not a member of the group. To Think About and Discuss Use the open-ended questions below to begin conversations with the children in your family, class, club, or organization. When was a time you were an ally to someone? Why did you do it? How did it feel to stand up for someone else? Has there been a time when someone was an ally to you? Do you think it’s important to be an ally to others? Why or why not? What is an ally and how can I be one?** In the LGBTQ+ community, an ally is supportive of LGBTQ+ people, behaves in supportive ways, and invites others to be allies, too. While Jeanne Manford is a famous ally, throughout history there are people just like you who have been willing to provide support, encouragement, and help. Here are some simple ways YOU can be an ally: START BY LEARNING Allies are always learning so they can do more and help educate others. You won’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay! If you make a mistake, apologize and learn how to do better next time. DON’T LET FEAR STOP YOU There are lots of reasons why people might be afraid to be allies. Maybe they’re nervous about speaking up. Maybe they aren’t sure where to start. Listen to what others tell you. Figure out what feels scary to you. Then you can figure out how to take action. BE ACTIVE Start with something simple, like putting a rainbow sticker on your backpack and telling friends why it’s there. Use what you learn from books like this one to talk about why you care and help others be allies. Most of all, treat others with kindness and respect. THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO BE AN ALLY There’s no

Be Like Jeanne: Allies and LBGTQ+ History Rob Sanders 2022-10-12T14:32:13-04:00

Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX: Interview With the Author

LBGTQ+ May 4, 2022 10:00 am By Jen Barton

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Jen Barton, author of Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX, shares some insights into creating the book. Magination Press: What inspired you to write Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX? Jen Barton: Dr. Sandler died in January 2019. At that time, I’d never heard of her and hadn’t thought much about Title IX. I was born in 1971, the year before the law passed, and grew up benefiting from a protection I never knew I’d needed. And as an adult, I only had a vague understanding that the law had something to do with sports. But in January 2019, I read a blurb about Bunny’s death, which mentioned her many accomplishments and how important she’d been in the fight for women’s equity in education. I wondered how someone so influential could’ve been so unknown to me, how I hadn’t learned in school about someone whose tireless fight had guaranteed my right to play softball or take shop class, if I wanted. I wondered why I didn’t know her name. I’m grateful to Bunny and the generations of women who came before, who fought for rights I enjoy. Writing the book felt like a way to honor her, her work, and to share her incredible story. My hope is that as readers follow Bunny navigating obstacles, finding her voice, and figuring out how she could make a difference, they too will find their own voice and use it to fight for what matters most to them. MP: The 50th anniversary of the ruling is in 2022. Is Bernice’s story more relevant now than ever? JB: Bunny’s story is absolutely more relevant than ever. Women may not have to have their husband or father co-sign to get a credit card or a home loan anymore, but the fight for gender equity is far from over. Let’s not forget, the ERA still hasn’t been ratified. The wage gap is alive and well. And the LGBTQ community is under attack. My hope is that as readers follow Bunny navigating obstacles, finding her voice, and figuring out how she could make a difference, they too will find their own voice and use it to fight for what matters most to them. I also hope readers come away with the idea that it doesn’t take a person with power to make a difference. More often, it takes determination. MP: Why do you think it’s important for kids to know about Bernice and about Title IX? JB: Title IX is such a workhorse of legislation. Bunny and fellow activists fought to make it illegal for institutions that receive federal funds to discriminate on the basis of sex. Yes, that means equitable locker rooms and uniforms regardless of gender, but the law also protects pregnant and parenting students from discrimination. And it protects

Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX: Interview With the Author Jen Barton 2022-05-03T15:16:16-04:00

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