JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — In a show of support after a national anti-LGBTQ hate group bullied a young transgender girl in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, her community hosted a reading of “I Am Jazz” by transgender advocate Jazz Jennings. Since then, “Jazz and Friends National Day of Community Readings in Support of Transgender and Non-Binary Youth” has become an annual national reading of affirming and inclusive books about the trans youth experience. From 12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, SUNY Jamestown Community College will host a reading in the Jamestown Campus Student Union.
“We don’t want to miss the chance to show our support for transgender and non-binary youth,” shares Kayla Crosby, director of campus life for SUNY JCC. “Our ultimate goal is truly making this an inclusive campus for all students.”
JCC began participating in this event in 2019, with intent to affirm, support, and create positive outcomes for LGBTQ individuals.
According to Dr. Greg Rabb, professor of political science at JCC, “Many of our students are excited to see JCC doing a trans-positive event on campus.” Rabb is an openly gay professor and longtime activist for the LGBTQ community. Though he is retiring this summer, Rabb credits Crosby’s efforts on campus as being a fantastic vehicle for inspiring acceptance.
Crosby notes that anyone who is interested can attend the event virtually by registering on the JCC website. For more information, visit: sunyjcc.edu/event/jazz-and-friends-national-day-school-and-community-readings