Over the past few years, we have witnessed a growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and policies across the United States. According to the ACLU, in 2023 alone, 507 anti-LGBTQ bills were proposed in 47 states; among these, 84 have been passed into law.

The targets of many of these legislative attacks have been the most vulnerable among us--transgender and LGBTQ+ youth. From "Don't Say Gay" laws to healthcare restrictions, anti-LGBTQ+ policies are impacting trans and queer youth in almost every sphere of their lives, including the medical care they can access, the sports teams they can play on, what they are allowed to talk about in the classroom, and the books they are allowed to check out from the library. The results of this discrimination are often deadly, with over half of transgender and non-binary youth seriously contemplating suicide, and many others falling victim to violent hate crimes inspired by this hostile climate.

Trans Kids, Our Kids: Stories and Resources from the Frontlines of the Movement for Transgender Youth shares the stories of transgender youth and their families, exploring the choices they are making to survive in today's environment. The book also gives voice to the medical providers who are providing care to transgender youth, as well as the activists, teachers and faith leaders who are leading the resistance efforts.

By contextualizing and sharing these stories, as well as offering resources and next steps, Trans Kids aims to both narrativize the pain and fear experienced by everyday Americans in this cultural moment, as well as highlighting the courage, hope, and resilience of transgender and LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the people who support them.

Adam Polaski serves as the Communications & Political Director for the Campaign for Southern Equality. Prior to this, he worked on the digital and communication teams at Freedom to Marry, the successful campaign to win marriage for same-sex couples across the United States, and Freedom for All Americans, a national organization committed to securing LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination protections. Adam 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 has also supported communications work to push for the successful passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022, through a campaign that won a Campaign Excellence Award for Public Affairs Campaign of the Year by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). He has provided communications and design support for The Brigid Alliance, the Local Solutions Support Center, Freedom to Marry Global, GLSEN, Campus Pride, Religious Exemption Accountability Project, and the Southern AIDS Coalition. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in journalism from Ithaca College, where he was a member of the Park Scholarship program. He 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.

Allison Scott, a 5th generation Southerner in Western North Carolina and proudly out trans woman passionately advocates for LGBTQ rights in the South as the Director of Impact & Innovation at the Campaign for Southern Equality. With a rich background spanning the corporate world of Information Technology to grassroots community activism, Allison has worked to devise innovative strategies to channel direct financial resources into Southern states. Her unique approach combines her technical and financial background with a deep understanding of community needs, leading to meaningful and sustainable change. Allison has participated in working sessions at both regional and national levels, collaborating with the US Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, and the EEOC to advance LGBTQ rights. In 2018 she was chosen by USA Today to represent North Carolina in their 50 Faces of Pride for NC, and she has also been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Associated Press, NBC, The News & Observer, along with other national and statewide media. Allison remains committed to breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for all Southerners. Allison is based in Asheville, NC.

This event is free with first come, first serve seating.