by Stephanie Morrissette
Stephanie Morrissette is a Library Assistant at the Reference & Local History Department at CDPL.
March 31 marks National Transgender Day of Visibility, a day of recognition celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of the discrimination that transgender people face worldwide. This day was started in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, a transgender activist from Michigan, and has been celebrated across the globe since 2014. On March 31, 2021, President Biden signed the first proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility, honoring the achievements and the dedication of transgender individuals in our communities (to read the entire proclamation visit whitehouse.gov).
As the mother of an adult transgender son, I love and accept him unconditionally. As my son grew through his teen years, it was evident he was struggling with accepting himself and who he was. It was not a decision that came quickly; it was a matter of years. I admire and respect his decision to be who he is and the courage it took to be honest and open about his journey. Through him, I have gained knowledge, compassion, and understanding.
Many transgender people suffer from violence, homelessness, or discrimination in employment, housing, and health care, as well as isolation from friends and family. To understand more about the struggles of transgender people in general, read Transgender History by Susan Stryker (306.76 Str) for an in-depth look at where we have come from and how we might reshape the future for today’s transgender people. Another read includes Emerging Gender Identities by Mark Yarhouse (261.8 Yar). The library also has books with titles that include Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue by Nicholas Teich (306.768 Tei) and Transgender Life by Don Nardo (306.76 Nar). If you prefer a graphic novel (comic-style book), I highly recommend Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe (GN 921 Kobabe, M.). This book is an easy read and really brings a sense of normalcy to the topic of non-conforming transgender individuals.
If you are curious and want to know more information on the struggles the LGBTQ+ community faces, the library is a great place to begin a search for knowledge and understanding, with books that include Homosexuality: Opposing Viewpoints by San Diego Press (306.766 Hom), Is It a Choice? By Eric Marcus (306.766 Mar), Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States by Samantha Allen (306.76 All), or The Question of Equality: Lesbian and Gay Politics in America since Stonewall (305.9066 Que).
Our local library has materials for the community to explore regarding a variety of issues, from social injustice to freedom of life, liberty, and a pursuit for knowledge. As a staple of the community, the library offers a variety of print, media, and digital resources to meet your needs. Check out cdpl.lib.in.us for more information or to search our catalog.
