Press Release Fun: We Need Diverse Books, Authors, and Indie Bookstores Support Trans and Nonbinary Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bestselling Authors, We Need Diverse Books, and Indie Bookstores Celebrate Diverse Magic Stories In Support of Trans and Nonbinary Youth

Holly Black, Soman Chainani, Dhonielle Clayton, Shannon Messenger, Charlie Jane Anders, and Aiden Thomas Discuss the Power of Diverse Magical Literature and Raise Funds to Support Trans and Nonbinary Youth and Storytelling

Bethesda, MD (June 2025) –  On June 26th, 2025, We Need Diverse Books and over 25 critically acclaimed authors are launching a panel series, “Magic Stories Are For Everyone,” to raise money in support of trans and nonbinary youth and creators. These free, virtual panels will highlight magical stories by trans and nonbinary authors and diverse books set at magical schools or in diverse magical worlds. A critical fundraising component will allow WNDB to provide book-ish care packages to LGBTQIA+ teens nationwide; and support trans and nonbinary creators via a grant and professional workshop opportunities. Macmillan Publishing will also support via a substantial book donation.

Panelists will include: Holly Black (panel co-host), Soman Chainani (panel co-host), Dhonielle Clayton (panel co-host), Shannon Messenger (panel co-host), Charlie Jane Anders, Jadzia Axelrod, L.D. Lapinski, Kyle Lukoff, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Marieke Nijkamp, Claribel A. Ortega, Mark Oshiro, Dana Simpson, Esme Symes-Smith, Aiden Thomas, Alder Van Otterloo, Xiran Jay Zhao, Marti Dumas, J. Elle, Amanda Foody, George Jreije, Jessica Khoury, Lauren Magaziner, Sangu Mandanna, Kwame Mbalia, Jamar J. Perry, Eden Royce, DaVaun Sanders, and Alby C. Williams.

“Magical stories and magic school are places for all readers. Fantasy stories are most powerful when they are inclusive, ensuring that every person can receive their invitation or find their doorway into extraordinary worlds. By showcasing and uplifting these authors, we want young readers everywhere to know that they belong and that they deserve to be the hero of a story,” said Dhonielle Clayton, bestselling author and board chair of We Need Diverse Books. 

In conjunction with the panel series, We Need Diverse Books is raising funds to support trans and nonbinary youth, writers, and illustrators. Money donated will be used to send WNDB’s bookish care packages to trans, nonbinary, and queer teens nationally, providing hope and support as anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment increases and legislation broadens, such as the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold a Tennessee ban to gender-affirming care for minors, funding cuts to LGBTQIA+ suicide prevention hotlines, and continued attacks on queer and trans rights. WNDB will purchase novels by the participating authors and other diverse creators via three independent bookstores: Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, CA; Loyalty Bookstores in Washington, DC and Silver Spring, MD; and Always Here Bookstore in Portland, OR. 

We Need Diverse Books is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s creating lifelong readers and a more empathetic world through the power of diverse literature. Established in 2014, WNDB’s programming serves diverse creators, publishing interns, educators, students, and readers across the nation. Learn more at diversebooks.org.

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