KCCS Trans Anthology Project
"On March 31st, International Transgender Day of Visibility, I embarked on a new endeavor to collect stories from gender diverse teens, young adults, and their parents, to be published in an anthology.
My vision is to work in community to create a book that…
Offers both education and personal insights into the many ways that the trans journey is navigated, and emphasizes that there is no right or wrong way to travel a road to authenticity.
Gives voice to the myriad of stories and highlights both the uniqueness of the journey and the common milestones.
Speaks to both teens and parents and helps them better understand one another as they travel their separate roads on this shared journey.
Offers a sense of hope and community to those teens and parents feeling isolated, afraid, and alone as they venture onto this path.
Is so compelling through its honesty and diversity that folks who are not yet allies will be curious enough to learn, and by hearing the stories of courage and resilience will come to better understand the urgent need for a society that is more supportive of this vulnerable population.
I am partnering with a writing coach, Donna Mazzitelli, to hold virtual “writing circles” for parents and youth to help them find their story and put it on paper. Once we have collected the stories and added educational information to tie things together, Donna will also help with editing and publishing the book through her company, Merry Dissonance Press. My intention is to have the book released on March 31, 2023, in honor of the annual Transgender Day of Visibility.
No doubt this project will take a community effort…and I intend to highlight that broad-based effort so gender diverse youth and families can feel a strong show of support."
-Heather Kirby, LCSW owner of Kirby Creative Clinical Solutions LLC (KCCS)