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School Cancels Reading of Jazz Jennings’ Book Following Threats from Anti-LGBT Group
A school in Wisconsin cancelled a reading of transgender activist Jazz Jennings’ book after an anti-LGBT group threatened the school with legal action.
A letter was sent home to families at Mount Horeb Primary Center last month, informing parents that Jennings’ book, I am Jazz, would be read to their children to better understand a transgender student in their school. .
“We believe all students deserve respect and support regardless of their gender identity and expression, and the best way to foster that respect and support is through educating students about the issue of being transgender,” the letter explained.
According to Seventeen Magazine, a group of parents reached out to the Liberty Counsel, an infamous anti-LGBT organization. The Liberty Counsel was quick to take action against the school, threatening legal action and calling the reading a “propaganda session.”
The Liberty Counsel recently made headlines as Kim Davis’ legal representation.
Jennings, who is an HRC Youth Ambassador, responded today in an op-ed.
“My book can help, I think, but I know from my own experience that it is adults like my parents and (school principal) Johnson who can make sure that transgender children are treated fairly at school and given the same opportunities to succeed in life,” she wrote. “Growing up transgender can be a challenging experience, and we need our parents, schools, and friends to stand by us so we can breathe easily. We want the same thing — to be who we are and feel safe and supported in this world.”
Jazz Jennings is an openly transgender youth whose activism began at age 6 when she appeared on 20/20 with Barbara Walters. She has been featured on a variety of major programs and news outlets, and has spoken at colleges, conferences, symposiums, and medical schools all over the country. She has been recognized by GLADD, The Advocate, Out Magazine’s and was on the 2014 Trans 100 list. She is the co-founder of the TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, which assists transgender youth, and was named one of TIME’s 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014.
To learn more about how you can support transgender youth, click here.
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