Diversity Rules Magazine

The ChangeMakers, a group of Youth Leaders at The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth in Miami, have come to- gether to publish a new children's book in response to Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law. The law, which was passed as a bill in the House exactly one year ago on February 24, 2022, aims to silence LGBTQ youth in search of their iden ty, prohibi ng teachers from discussing sexual orienta on and gen- der iden ty in classrooms. While conversa ons about the law have largely gone quiet, its effects are s ll be- ing felt by Florida students and it is inspiring similar bills across the na on. The book, tled "The Courage to Be Truly Free: Co- co's Blueprint for Self Revival," plays off the tle of a new Ron DeSan s book launching the same day. Wri en as an educa onal tool for children and law- makers alike, it tells the story of a zebra who goes on a journey of self discovery. Along the way, they meet different characters who teach them lessons about self-reliance and community, ul mately giving them the courage to be truly free to be themselves. Empowering the voices of the youth who've been im- pacted by this harmful legisla on, the book carries a message of hope and resilience, teaching lessons of self-discovery and acceptance that many can no longer learn at school. Each page is filled with color- ful illustra ons and relatable characters, donated by Beuren Studio, that young readers can easily iden fy with. This story of love, acceptance, and strength serves as a tool to inspire others to li up their voices and speak out against discrimina on and bigotry. It teaches kids about diversity, inclusion and standing up for what's right and is designed to spark conversa ons between children and adults about acceptance and empathy. The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth is a non-profit organiza- on based in Miami dedicated to empowering LGBTQ youth, their families, and communi es through com- prehensive care, leadership development, and policy advocacy. The book became available February 28th on Ama- zon, as a Kindle ebook or a paperback for purchase, with all proceeds going to The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth. The book will also be available as free down- load on TheCourageToBeTrulyFree.com as a free re- source to all. There is a book reading scheduled at Common Ground, the only LGBTQ and feminist focused book- store in Tallahassee, Fla.—just a few blocks from the Florida Governor's Mansion. The book will be shared publicly for the first me at this safe space during their ongoing Drag Story Hour on Tuesday, February 28th at 6pm. The book idea on and produc on was done by BBH USA. For more informa on and a free digital version of the book, please visit the book's website at www. TheCourageToBeTrulyFree.com. Contact: Name: Pauline Green Email: pauline@all4lgbtqyouth.org Phone: (305) 899-8087 Website: https://all4lgbtqyouth.org/ Social Media: @all4lgbtqyouth Diversity Rules Magazine | Apr 2023 | 21 The Courage To Be Truly Free A Book By The Changmakers

• Cover