Hello, all! Upcoming MLA webinar announcement: SUPPORTING TRANS STAFF AND COMMUNITY IN YOUR LIBRARY: TRANS ALLYSHIP PART 1<https://www.milibraries.org/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=206&Itemid=276&year=2022&month=11&day=09&title=supporting-trans-staff-and-community-in-your-library-part-1&uid=e7c9116008dc91c460c2a4264e6fe950> Part 1: November 9, 2022 10:00 - 11:30 AM Part 2: January 11, 2023 10:00 - 11:30 AM MLA Connect Exploration: Keynote discussions with field leaders exploring the most pressing questions for our field today and into the future. How can library workers and leaders support trans staff and patrons in our spaces? How can we make our trans employees feel valued and accepted, and our patrons feel safe? This can be daunting if you are not sure what to do, especially in the context of heightened tension around LGBTQ+ inclusive materials and programs. We will discuss barriers faced by many trans folks in the workplace and solutions to overcoming these obstacles to create a safer, more inclusive library where everyone can belong. MLA is proud to invite Farmington Hills based organization Stand with Trans to join us for a 2-part webinar series on how to be a better ally in your library. The second session will build on the first and each will address issues such as what it means to be transgender, why pronouns are important, understanding the gender spectrum, language dos/don’ts, vocabulary, statistics, and allyship, with plenty of time for discussion and Q&A. REGISTER<https://mla.memberclicks.net/mlaconnect-nov09> About Stand with Trans Stand with Trans is saving lives one person at a time, one day at a time. We help trans youth build resilience, gain confidence and find hope for a future filled with joy. Founded in 2015 by a passionate mom, the organization continues to grow, serving an international population of families. Learn more at www.standwithtrans.org<http://www.standwithtrans.org/> SwT Mission Statement Stand with Trans empowers and supports transgender youth and their loved ones. SwT Vision Statement Our vision is a world where gender diverse youth are validated and celebrated. Spea​ker [Roz Gould Keither]Roz Gould Keith (she/hers) Executive Director and Founder, Stand with Trans I am a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, ally and advocate. I began this journey in 2013 when my son came out as transgender. We navigated the journey together so he could get what he needed to transition socially, emotionally, psychologically and medically. It took nearly a year to find appropriate resources to support my child. At that point I knew that we needed to be a support for others out there like us. There was a lot to learn and I’m still learning. Language has evolved, access to support has become more accessible and conversations around trans identities are more prevalent. Stand with Trans is here to provide life-saving resources and programs for trans youth and their parents. We want our young trans and nonbinary individuals to know they are loved, to thrive in a complicated world, and to be accepted for who they are without stigma, shame, or harm. Please contact MLA or Amber Sheerin (asheerin@milibraries.org) with any questions. Katharyn Haas Adult Services Librarian Adult Programming Coordinator Portage District Library she/her/hers 300 Library Lane​ Portage, MI 49002 (269) 585-8711 portagelibrary.info