HRC and NEA Host Fourth Annual Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings

People across the U.S. and in three other countries came out in force to support transgender and non-binary youth.

Post submitted by Charlie Girard, Former Digital Organizer

Yesterday, people across the U.S. and in three other countries came out in force to support transgender and non-binary youth during the fourth annual Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings cosponsored by HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools program and the National Education Association (NEA).

HRC and the NEA invited parents, teachers, elected officials and community members to host local read alouds of children’s books about transgender and non-binary youth, including youth of color. More than 200 readings took place in three countries, 37 states and the District of Columbia.

Readings took place in schools…

We are all different and that makes us interesting and beautiful.

Here's @Lily_NEA reading and singing at @Ashlawneagles with @SarahEMcBride for #JazzandFriends National Day of School and Community Readings.https://t.co/7MzssuzRcc pic.twitter.com/ZeRg1msCpc
— NEA (@NEAToday) February 28, 2019

“What’s the point!!!” exclaims a kindergartner @lrei. Colors are colors, clothes are clothes, stuff is stuff. There is no such thing as boy colors, clothes, and stuff” @HRC #JazzAndFriends pic.twitter.com/IFQb1ha4kM
— Sandra (Chap)Chapman (@SKChap) February 28, 2019

In community spaces…

Had the opportunity support #transgender #GNC & non-binary youth (one day early) as part of @HRC & @NEAToday’s #JazzAndFriends National Day of School & Community Readings!
�� @CompassCenter
�� @LibraryCurrent
⚪ @DianaFedderman
�� #WereALLIn
�� #GenderStudies pic.twitter.com/keXIWQDiVx
— Pete Stew the��Science Dude (@PeteStewartMPH) February 28, 2019

By organizing a #JazzAndFriends reading, @HRC’s Peter Tchoryk is teaching the Dexter community the importance of affirming trans. ��⚪️��https://t.co/F78fIBtOiP
— HRC in Michigan (@HRC_MI) February 28, 2019

In living rooms…

And even on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives!

Proud to deliver two very special readings of I Am Jazz for #JazzAndFriends – with transgender servicemembers before my hearing yesterday in MILPERS & on the House floor this morning. To all transgender & non-binary youth, please know @HouseDemocrats see, support, & honor you. pic.twitter.com/ia32Nn9YfQ
— Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) February 28, 2019

Several of our @LGBTEqCaucus members did a special reading of I am Jazz for #JazzandFriends National Day of Reading. We are so proud to stand with and uplift the voices and experiences of trans youth! Thank you @RepAngieCraig @RepMarkTakano @RepDavids @RepChrisPappas @RepSpeier pic.twitter.com/sF0SltbTWf
— LGBT Caucus (@LGBTEqCaucus) March 1, 2019

HRC was particularly honored to have non-binary role models Bex Taylor-Klaus and Jacob Tobia attend a reading with the HRC’s Los Angeles Steering Committee.

Thanks to everyone who attended a #JazzAndFriends National Day of School and Community Reading! Now more than ever, it’s so important to show trans and non-binary youth that their community supports them. . . Special thanks to @bex_tk and @jacobtobia for joining us at a reading in #WestHollywood. . . Learn more on how you can support trans youth at hrc.org/Trans-Youth

A post shared by Human Rights Campaign (@humanrightscampaign) on Feb 28, 2019 at 8:24pm PST

Maya Christina Gonzalez and Matthew SG, authors of They, She, He, Me: Free to Be!, held a reading online with more than 2,000 people tuning in!

This annual nationwide action is inspired by the residents and students of tiny Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, who unequivocally rebuked bigotry and censorship in 2015 after a national anti-LGBT hate group threatened legal action against a school planning to support a local transgender child by offering an inclusive classroom lesson.

Thank you to all of the participants who joined this year! Each event was unique, but they all showed transgender and non-binary youth that they are valued and respected.

Our next annual Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings will be on February 27, 2020. Interested in joining us next time? Email us at WelcomingSchools@HRC.org!

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