June 5, 2025 - 6 pm - 7:30 pm (Fairfax Library - Fairfax, CA)

Join us for a panel discussion on the lived experiences of transgender teens and grandparents of transgender people. Moderator Janna Barkin will read excerpts from her latest book, A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren, and she will moderate a group of panelists that includes transgender people and grandparents of transgender grandchildren. There will be time for questions and discussion. 

This event is purposefully scheduled during Banned Books Month to highlight the importance of the freedom to read, and the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. Many banned books are written by LGBTQ+ authors, or feature LGBTQ+ issues. In this time of book bans, it is so important that these types of books are read and these topics are discussed.

Transgender people have never been more visible in our society than right now. There is evidence that transgender and gender diverse people benefit greatly when they have the support, love, and acceptance of their parents and families. Grandparents have an opportunity to play a crucial role in family dynamics and contribute to positive outcomes for their loved ones. 

Grandparents who become aware that their grandchild’s gender identity doesn’t match the sex assigned to them at birth can feel confused and alone. While the field of knowledge in this area is growing at a very fast pace, many therapists, counsellors, teachers, and school administrators remain unskilled and uninformed when it comes to working with transgender or gender diverse children and their parents, grandparents, and other family members.

This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Fairfax Library.