Writer and BookTok influencer Sim Kern has come up with one of the best ideas we have heard about all week. They have conceptualized a TRANS RIGHT READATHON with a goal to read as many books by trans authors and centering trans narratives as possible within one week, It is also to encourage all of us to raise money for the trans organization of our choice.
There are no specific rules and regulations but participants should post about how much money they’ll be donating for each book or chapter and to what organization, and to invite others who can to donate as well.
The timing for this couldn’t possibly be more relevant under the present political climate with increasing pressure to ban all queer books, particularly transgender ones. Extreme reactionary politicians like Marjorie Taylor-Greene may seem like laughable clowns to most of us, but they still have the power to cause irreparable damage.
She has got George Santos (the infamous gay liar) to co-sponsor a bill that would defund elementary and secondary schools that “knowingly distribute” books containing “sexually explicit” visual depictions. The bill would also fine publishing houses that “knowingly furnish” elementary and secondary schools with such books up to $500,000. If it’s successful, what will be next in their sights?
The Trans Rights Readathon is not just a smart way to raise money for the trans advocacy organization of your choice. It also counts as free publicity for books by trans authors and centering trans stories
Labels: 2023, Fundraiser, Sim Kern, trans community, Trans Rights Readathon
Sim Kern uses they/them pronouns not she/her