We’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. In May, we launched the first PFLAG NYC Book Club, reading The Savvy Ally and growing together as allies and activists. Over 30 people took part during four meetings through the month.
Now for Pride month we have something for every member of the family. We’re hosting a book event every Thursday evening in June. Join us as we explore a diverse selection of books of interest to our community.
During the first two weeks, we invite children under 10 to come check out some great picture books with parents, guardians, or whichever adult they want to share the experience with. In the second half of the month, we turn our focus to some adult books and will host events with authors.
All events are free and open to the public. For the June 4 and June 11 events, only adults attending together with children will be allowed.
Check out the full schedule below, and click on the link for each event to register.
Thursday, June 4, 2020 – 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Story Hour for Kids & Parents
During this read-along event, we will dive into two colorful books about the beginnings of the LGBTQ rights movement and modern-day Pride marches.
| This Day in Juneby Gayle E. Pitman Illustrated by Kristyna Litten | Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution.by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Jamey Christoph |
| This Day In June is a “wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ community. This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united.”[Author Site] [Independent Bookstores] [Amazon] [Barnes & Noble] | How many kids can say they have heard about the place where it all began? This book illustrates a “powerful and timeless true story that will allow young readers to discover the rich and dynamic history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the LGBTQ civil rights movement.”[Author Site] [Independent Bookstores] [Amazon] [Barnes & Noble] |
Thursday, June 11 – 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Book Launch and Author Visit
for Kids & Parents
Freeda the Frog and the Two Mommas Next Door
by Nadine Haruni
Art by Tina Modugno
For this story hour, author Nadine Haruni immerses herself in the world of Freeda the Frog to read us the story about Freeda and her family getting to know their new neighbors, Jessica and her two mommas. The tadpoles discover that families do not have to all look the same, and that all you need is love. After the reading, Nadine will be with us to talk about the book and answer questions from kids and adults alike.
Nadine Haruni is the author of the Gold Mom’s Choice Award® winning Freeda the Frog Children’s Book series, which focuses on different family situations and helping children cope with various life issues. Nadine is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Independent Book Publishers Association. Aside from writing, she teaches yoga and is a practicing attorney. Nadine is married with five children.
[Author Site] [Freeda the Frog on Instagram]
[Independent Bookstores] [Amazon] [Barnes & Noble]
Thursday, June 18 – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual Book Launch and Live Panel Discussion
Trans New York: Photos and Stories of Transgender New Yorkers
by Peter Bussian
Foreword by Abby Chava Stein
Award-winning photographer Peter Bussian has spent more than twenty years working in developing countries collaborating with local artists and capturing images that tell remarkable stories. With the Trans New York project, he returned to his home base in New York City and brought his visual storytelling to capture exquisite portraits of more than fifty New Yorkers who identify as trans, genderqueer, or gender nonbinary. The images are accompanied by revelatory interviews and essays that capture the experience of transition and combat common misconceptions and stereotypes.
This event will feature a live panel discussion with Peter Bussian and three of the individuals whose portraits are part of the book.
[Author Site] [Independent Bookstores]
[Amazon] [Barnes & Noble]
Thursday, June 25 – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual Book Talk and Author Q&A
The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate
by Jeannie Gainsburg
The PFLAG NYC Book Club read The Savvy Ally in May and engaged in four evenings of rousing discussion and individual growth as allies. For those who missed it, or those who didn’t want to commit to four weeks of discussions, here’s the single event for you! Author Jeannie Gainsburg joins us this evening to talk about her journey to allyship, the experience of LGBTQ+ education, and how she distilled it all into this first-rate handbook for allies. From novice to expert in topics LGBTQ, everyone can take away some new knowledge from this book.
“This book is long overdue and I loved reading it! It is a call to action in a positive, optimistic and engaging way – a masterful blend of information, personal stories, humor and serious content. This is much more than just an informative book. It is designed to build skills that can be translated into ongoing, meaningful action. If you want to be an effective LBGTQ+ ally, buy this book. It won’t just sit on your shelf. You’ll use it every day!” — Mike Streeter, Executive Director, Workforce Diversity Network
Jeannie Gainsburg is an educational trainer and consultant in the field of LGBTQ+ inclusion and effective allyship. She has personally facilitated or co-facilitated more than five hundred trainings and workshops in more than twenty different states at corporations, colleges, government agencies, K-12 schools, hospitals, faith communities, and more. Jeannie has a BA in psychology from Brown University and an MA in social work and social services from Bryn Mawr College. She was under the impression that a citation was the result of driving too fast until January 2019, when she received one from the New York State Assembly for Distinguished Educational & Human Rights Services for her work in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. The Savvy Ally is her first book.
[Author Site] [Savvy Ally Action on YouTube]
[Independent Bookstores] [Amazon] [Barnes & Noble]