The Rainbow Report – Transcending Barriers: The Power of Accessible Trans Literature 🌈

“The violent resistance to the oppression of transgender people at Compton’s Cafeteria…(created) a space in which it became possible for the city of San Francisco to begin… treating them, in fact, as citizens with legitimate needs instead of simply as a problem to get rid of.” – Susan Stryker – Transgender History, page 74.

As we continue our defiant celebration of Queer History Month as a protest to the recent Miami-Dade Public School Board decision to not recognize our history during the month of October, we continue our exploration of LGBTQ+ History by highlighting the educational forum TransReads and Susan Stryker’s Transgender History.

In a world where representation is paramount, the significance of seeing oneself in literature is profound. For transgender individuals, especially from non-affirming or unsafe communities, this isn’t just about validation but survival. Trans Reads, a project championing the belief that education should be free and writing shouldn’t be behind a paywall, offers a vast collection of writings that challenge and transcend Western gender norms.

Born from the pressing need to address escalating violence against trans individuals and the lack of accessible resources, Trans Reads is a testament to the power of collective action. This platform, formed by a diverse group of trans individuals, aims to break barriers and democratize access to trans literature.

But Trans Reads is more than a repository; it’s a movement. Thriving on user-generated content it allows individuals to share their stories and experiences. By contributing, users are sharing hope and understanding, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

This week, for “Queer History 101”, we used Susan Stryker’s Transgender History to fuel our research. This seminal work chronicles American transgender history from the mid-twentieth century to today. From the post-World War II trans communities to the transformative gender issues of the ’90s and ’00s, Stryker’s book is a comprehensive exploration of the trans experience. With informative sidebars, key quotes, and biographies, Transgender History is an essential read for anyone keen to understand the rich tapestry of queer history. For those interested in diving deeper, USE THIS LINK to purchase the book, celebrating the invaluable contributions of the trans community to the broader narrative of queer history.

In the face of adversity and refusal to recognize our vibrant and resilient history, we stand united. Let us continue to amplify our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs. Engage with platforms like Trans Reads, read books by trans writers, and ensure that our history is not erased or silenced. Together, let’s continue to write, share, and celebrate our diverse and rich queer history, ensuring it echoes defiantly through the corridors of every institution that seeks to negate our existence.

By: Harold Marrero
Chief Operating Officer

We encourage you to share this information with friends, fellow teachers, and allies and join us in bringing awareness to our efforts. Your support is essential for our ongoing work to create safe spaces for all students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or expression. Please consider donating to Safe Schools so that we can continue advocating for inclusivity and diversity within the education system.