T20 - Whose Book is it Anyway? Material for Trans, Genderqueer, and Non-Binary Youth
Session Description
Generously Sponsored By: SLAIS, The iSchool@UBC
In order to provide relevant information for gender nonconforming populations, it is not only important to know what materials are available for young readers, but also what it is that teens are actually looking for. Through a series of interviews with trans-identified teens, I was able to better determine what materials these individuals are looking for, which affects how librarians can work to provide teen readers with materials through qualitative evidence rather than assumptions of reading habits.
This session will discuss new materials for youth as well as strategies for increasing visibility of relevant materials and improving access. Understanding the audience for trans-themed YA materials and reading habits of trans and genderqueer youth can make libraries more appealing as safe spaces and repositories of relevant materials.
Speakers
Robert Bittner, Simon Fraser University
Biography
Rob Bittner is a PhD Candidate in the department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University. His main field of study is the emergence of new sexual and gender identities in fiction for young people-most notably intersex, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals—as well as exploring the possible social, institutional, and political implications of such portrayals. Rob is an advocate for greater gender and sexual diversity in literature, and also for increased service to gender and sexual minority populations in libraries and schools.