Description
Every day, people face discrimination because of their sexuality and gender identity. The people between these pages have stood up for the queer community, whether on their own behalf or in support of people they love. Some made a difference by confronting injustice; others dared to be fully themselves.
Susan Ursel fought all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada for the right to have books with queer characters in schools. Sparkle Wilson runs an internship program for LGBTQ+ youth in San Francisco that helps them build skills and grow their confidence. Itzayana Gutiérrez Arillo discovered the joy and global community of queer tango. Their stories prove that we can all make the world a little safer, kinder, and more inclusive.
Author Bio
Mary Fairhurst Breen authored the memoir Any Kind of Luck at All and the children’s book Pride and Persistence: Stories of Queer Activism. As a queer feminist author, writing is Mary’s current form of activism after decades spent working for social change and equal rights. She lives in Toronto.
Video Media
Table of contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2 Historical Timeline of Queer Rights in Canada and the US
Page 7 Preface
Page 11 Introduction
Page 13 A Good Argument: Susan Ursel
Page 19 It’s a Baby: Rogue Witterick
Page 25 Lavender Life Skills: Sparkle Wilson
Page 31 Love Is the Answer: Patricia Wilson
Page 37 Good Medicine: Ali Charlebois
Page 41 A Lot of Things at the Same Time: Suze Morrison
Page 47 Talent and Nerve: Debra Sheppard-Chester
Page 53 Acting Out: Jo Vannicola
Page 57 An Ally in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS: Didi Charney
Page 63 Digital Diversity: Rachel Jean-Pierre
Page 69 We All Need Kindness: Faith Nolan
Page 75 Queer Tango: Itzayana Gutiérrez Arillo
Page 79 Ruffling Feathers: Tilly Keeven-Glascock
Page 85 Post-Pandemic Pride: Natalie Moores
Page 91 Conclusion
Page 93 Glossary
Page 101 Acknowledgments
page 103 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Review Quotes
"Breen’s passionate advocacy for equal rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity is a bold foray into the culture wars of today... The book addresses real issues of discrimination and of acceptance, both of oneself and of others.... I urge librarians to give this book careful consideration."
— Canadian Review of Materials“Breen offers young readers a glimpse into the lives of 14 amazing women and non-binary people who have helped make the world safer for kids and adults who identify as LGBTQ…. It includes a useful historical timeline of LGBTQ activism in both Canada and the U.S as well as an excellent glossary.”
— The Globe and Mail"This volume offers important representation and engaging profiles of people who just might motivate readers to make their own significant contributions, no matter the scale or scope."
— Mombian