Join CoCo as they learn lessons of self-discovery
that many can no longer learn at school
*Free download available Feb 28th.
All proceeds from Amazon and Barnes & Noble go to The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth.
A BOOK WITH A POWERFUL MESSAGE
Dedicated to overcoming legislation like the Florida parental rights in education act
(the 'Don't Say Gay' bill) which aims to silence youth in search of their identities.
When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 1557 (commonly referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), it took away children’s rights to have open conversations about self identity in the classroom. Now, one year later, he’s launching a book about being free. In response, our book, “The Courage to be Truly Free”, serves as an educational tool for kids—and lawmakers alike—to learn about love, acceptance, and embracing who you truly are.
It follows a young zebra named CoCo on a journey of self discovery. Along the way, CoCo meets a variety of animal friends who help them be brave by teaching about self-reliance and community.
A STORY WORTH SHARING
This uplifting story of strength and perseverance serves as a tool to inspire others to lift up their voices and speak out against discrimination and intolerance. It teaches kids about diversity, inclusion and standing up for what’s right and it’s designed to spark conversations between children and adults about acceptance and empathy.
Empowering the voices of the youth who’ve been impacted by harmful legislation like HB 1557, the book carries a message of hope and resilience. Each page is filled with colorful illustrations and relatable characters, generously donated by Beuren Studio, that young readers can easily identify with.
BOOK LAUNCHES AT DRAG STORY HOUR,
5 BLOCKS FROM GOVERNOR'S MANSION
On February 28th, the same day Ron DeSantis launched his book, we launched ours. “The Courage to Be Truly Free” had its first live reading during Drag Story Hour at Common Ground, the only LGBTQ and feminist-focused bookstore in Tallahassee, Florida, just five blocks from the Governor’s Mansion. Special thanks to Freak (he/him), our Drag King, for sharing it with the community.
Book Reading : )
Book Reading : )
“We believe that children have the right to learn about diversity and inclusion in a safe and supportive environment. They also have the right to be themselves in the classroom and to see themselves and their families reflected in the curriculum. The ‘Don't Say Gay’ bill has attempted to take away this right, but 'The Courage to be Truly Free’ is giving it back. We hope that this book can amplify the voices and experiences of LGBTQ youth while emboldening them to embrace their authentic selves with pride.”
- Pauline Green (she/her), Executive Director at The Alliance
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We appreciate your allyship, and hope you enjoyed the book and its powerful message.
Let’s continue to help give a voice back to communities who have been silenced.
