Following the cancellation of a reading of her book I Am Jazz at a Wisconsin school, transgender activist and HRC Youth Ambassador Jazz Jennings has written a powerful op-ed on the importance of creating safe spaces for all children.
Mt. Horeb Primary Center principal, Rachael Johnson had chosen to read Jennings’ book to her students. But some Mt. Horeb Elementary parents did not have the same feelings. In a letter sent to the school on their behalf, the notoriously anti-gay Liberty Counsel litigation group called the reading a violation of “parental rights” and threatened the school with a lawsuit if the reading took place. Under threat of this lawsuit, the school had to cancel the reading.
The reason Principal Johnson chose to read the book was because one of the students there was born male and now identifies as female.
“My parents and I want to personally thank Johnson for being a such strong leader and ally for the transgender girl at her school,” wrote Jennings. “The student at Mt. Horeb is so lucky that she has supportive parents, and a principal, teachers, and many, many parents and students who want to support her and make her feel welcome at school! That is so cool! I know it will make a huge difference that soon she may be her true self at school without the risk of being treated badly, or pushed away by her school community.
“My book can help, I think,” continued Jennings.”But I know from my own experience that it is adults like my parents and Johnson who can make sure that transgender children are treated fairly at school and given the same opportunities to succeed in life. Growing up transgender can be a challenging experience, and we need our parents, schools, and friends to stand by us so we can breathe easily. We want the same thing — to be who we are and feel safe and supported in this world.”
