\u201cTransgender Children in Today\u2019s Society: A Conversation\u201d is a community dialogue open to everyone, said Juneau Public Libraries community outreach librarian Andi Hirsh.<\/p>\n
One goal of the library, she said, is to engage the community in thoughtful conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition to providing materials, books, movies, internet access, journals, documents and articles on topics like gender and identity and what being transgender means, we also try to provide perspective with live people. We\u2019re hoping to be a neutral space where people can come and feel comfortable to talk, listen, learn and share their opinions,\u201d Hirsh added.<\/p>\n
The talk will be led by gender specialist Aidan Key, a former Juneau resident and the founder and director of a Seattle-based organization called Gender Diversity: Education and Support Services. The organization aims at increasing awareness and improving the well-being for people of all gender identities.<\/p>\n
Hirsh said Key will speak for about an hour, followed by a community dialogue. Key will share his perspective of a transgender youth presence within a family, a school and the broader community.<\/p>\n
Hirsh hopes adults who work with youth, educators, parents, children and teens will attend the talk.<\/p>\n
\u201cKids know what\u2019s going on. They\u2019re often on the forefront of this conversation. It would be great if kids and teens attended, listened and were able to share their thoughts and feelings,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The event will take place Thursday at 6.p.m. at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library\u2019s large meeting room, which is located near the library entrance. It’s free to attend.<\/p>\n
The talk is part of the libraries\u2019 Science on Screen series, which pairs expert speakers and classic movies. \u201cSome Like It Hot,\u201d which Hirsh said is an early example in film of people dealing with gender identity, shows this week at the Gold Town Nickelodeon<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2022 Contact reporter Lisa Phu at 523-2246 or lisa.phu@juneauempire.com.<\/p>\n Related stories:<\/p>\n ASAA: Schools can decide on transgender athletes<\/a><\/p>\n Juneau School District to consider policies regarding transgender students<\/a><\/p>\n