A picture book about the trans women of colour who started an LGBTQ+ revolution.
Story; Reading Guide
Joy Michael Ellison is a queer and non-binary trans
writer, whose creative writing has appeared in publications
including Columbus Alive, Lunch Ticket, the Baltimore Review, Story
Club Magazine. They are a PhD candidate in Women's and Gender
Studies at Ohio State University, where they are researching
transgender history.
Teshika Silver is a queer, Black illustrator and designer.
She is also teaching artist and facilitator and strives to create
cultural work that uplifts, heals and promotes the resilience of
marginalised people. She lives in Chicago with her dog, Penny.
Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution is a beautiful story of
friendship, bravery, and the courage to stand up to be yourself and
do what is right! As an LGBTQ+ parent with two small kiddos, this
book gave me the opportunity to start family conversations about
LGBTQ+ history, the Stonewall Riots, and the importance of black,
trans women in our movement in a friendly, and age-appropriate way.
Not only was this book educational and informative, but it was a
pleasure to read over and over again!
*Tatiana Quiroga, Director of Family Equity & Diversity, Family
Equality*
When we share books like this with young people introducing them to
members of the trans community, we can begin to set them on a path
of acceptance and understanding. I love this story not only as a
possible first introduction to the trans community, but also as a
provocation to use with students to discuss rebellion, revolution,
protests and demonstrations.
*Michael Rawls*
This beautiful, resourceful, informative and important addition to
trans history helps our younger generation to connect to a deeper
understanding of our past. Remembering the foundations of current
freedoms, and aiding solidarity for our future, cannot be
underestimated. It helps us all to be brave.
*Dr. Wenn B. Lawson (PhD) CPsychol AFBsS*
A brilliant children's book for teaching the newest generation
about kindness, gender identities, LGBTQIA+ rights and the power of
being yourself.
*Books Bird*
This inspiring story of friendship, community, and revolution
rightly gives Sylvia and Marsha their place on our kids'
bookshelves alongside the mostly White and male figures who have
dominated LGBTQ picture book biographies.
*Mombian*
This book is sure to be a welcome and useful addition to any home
library or school, where it can educate, and tell children about a
moment in history that went on to change the world.
*Trans-Scribe*
Here, the LGBTQ+-rights movement of 1969 is brought to life among
the neighborhoods of New York in which the queer community took
refuge. Ellison's light-hearted text and Silver's bright
illustrations focus on Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, two
transgender women of color, and their goal to bring respect and
equality to the queer, especially transgender, community. While
this book targets a young audience, it makes the compelling
concepts clear-from the homophobia and transphobia that Sylvia and
Marsha experience to the upsetting reality of trans homeless youths
living on the streets. The book focuses on gender identity through
its heroines, affirming their part in a sisterhood that struggles
for a safe and equal existence. Ellison and Silver use
fictionalized but realistic dialogue to propel an energetic plot
that touches on the events at the Stonewall Inn and the subsequent
result of Sylvia and Marsha opening their house and hearts to their
transgender sisters. Included also are helpful resources defining
LGBTQ+ terms; highlighting short biographies of Sylvia, Marsha, and
other key players; and introducing discussion questions and
activities.
*Booklist*
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