This blog post is by Bella DeShayes (she/her), Welcoming Schools Manager at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, a Unite Against Book Bans partner.
To show support and affirm transgender and non-binary youth, you can pledge to read—on your own, with your loved ones, or in your community—on February 27, the 2026 National Day of Reading.
Event History
In 2015, an elementary school in a small Wisconsin town 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 girl. Prior to the reading, an anti-LGBTQ hate group threatened to sue the school, calling for the school to cancel the discussion, but the community found another avenue to show their support. More than 600 residents in a town of less than 8,000 showed up at a public reading organized by a parent!
Every year, in honor of that town’s allyship, communities across the country show their support for transgender and non-binary youth by joining the HRCF’s Welcoming Schools program for its annual National Day of Reading.
Why Reading Inclusive Books is Important
Educators, children, families and communities suffer when the freedom to read is taken away through book bans. Censoring books in libraries and schools takes away the stories of human experiences and erases the rich history of our past. Reading diverse stories opens a window into the lives of people in our communities while also reflecting the lived experiences of many readers.
The current climate can make it difficult to instill positive change and provide the necessary support for our LGBTQ+ youth, but Welcoming Schools encourages communities to focus on and uplift the many supportive groups of people who continue to show up for LGBTQ+ youth.
More Ways to Help
In addition to storytelling, supportive practices, such as using a person’s name and pronouns correctly, affirming their gender expression, and providing access to LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces can increase feelings of safety and belonging and significantly reduce negative mental health outcomes.
Our hope is that these readings inspire caring community members to connect and organize. Together, we can advocate for the rights of transgender and non-binary youth and ensure that every child has the support needed to thrive and be their whole self in their school and community.
Pledge to Join Us
Whether you read a story to a loved one at bedtime, in a small group during lunch, in your classroom, or at a large organized event, every reading matters. Your participation on February 27 can make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. Pledge to read here!
HRC’s Welcoming Schools program thanks you for joining us in our aspiration to create safe and inclusive communities where all our youth feel seen, valued, and respected.
