Jazz and Friends National Day of Community Readings in Support of Transgender and Non-Binary Youth is an annual national reading of affirming, inclusive and educational books that cover the trans youth experience.In partnership with the National Education Association and the American Association of School Librarians, this year’s day of readings will be held on Thursday, Feb. 24, and we want you to be a part of it by hosting an event in your community!

With the onslaught of legislative attacks on our community — and many of them being enshrined into law — it’s on all of us to show up for trans and non-binary youth everywhere. By hosting a Jazz and Friends reading, you are affirming trans youth existence and demonstrating that trans and non-binary youth are seen, accepted and loved.

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This year’s event features four recommended books: “Born Ready”, “Calvin”, “I Am Jazz” and “From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea.” These books are wonderful for adults and children alike, and you can read them literally anywhere. Register by Jan. 27 to be eligible to receive one of 50 free copies of the amazing book “Calvin.”

Couldn’t possibly be a host? Don’t have a place? Think again!

You can read it with family and friends
Read it in the morning or as the moon ascends

You can do it over Zoom
You can do it in a room (socially distanced!)

You can read it to your class
But don’t forget to wear a mask!

You can read it over the phone
You can read it in any time zone!

All you need is to make the choice
For all trans youth, to lend your voice!

If you are interested in hosting a Jazz & Friends National Day of Community Readings event, check out this organizing toolkit to help you get started and make your event as best as can be!

HRC Foundation's Welcoming Schools is the nation's premier professional development program providing training and resources to elementary school educators to: