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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative
@humankindpride.bsky.social
57 followers 11 following 96 posts
Non-profit in small-town Illinois dedicated to opportunities and resources for every demographic of the LGBTQIA+ Community. We hold Ottawa Family Pride Fest every June on the 2nd Saturday! Visit us at Www.humankindinitiative.org for more info
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 17h
Small Town Pride, by Phil Stamper

Melissa, by Alex Gino

Too Bright to See, by Kyle Lukoff

Lumberjanes (a manga series), by ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, Kat Leyh, and Faith Erin Hicks

Better Nate than Ever, by Tim Federle

Hurricane Child, by Kacen Callender

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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 17h
Being a tween can be hard--you're not a kid, you're not a teen, and you're trying to figure out who you are and where you fit into the world. Finding the right book can be a huge help! The books here are just a few of the great middle grade titles that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

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Small Town Pride, by Phil Stamper Melissa, by Alex Gino Too Bright to See, by Kyle Lukoff Lumberjanes (a manga series), by ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, Kat Leyh, and Faith Erin Hicks Better Nate than Ever, by Tim Federle Hurricane Child, by Kacen Callender
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 17h
All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson

Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller, by Oliver Darkshire

Beyond Magenta: Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin

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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 17h
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe

A Queer History of the United States, by Michael Bronski

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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 17h
Many of the titles on today's feature are probably familiar--they're among the most frequently banned books in recent years. Strong LGBTQ+ voices are more important than ever, and reading LGBTQ+ memoirs and nonfiction is a great way to become a more compassionate, kind person. /1
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Finney Boylan Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe A Queer History of the United States, by Michael Bronski All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller, by Oliver Darkshire Beyond Magenta: Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
As always, proceeds benefit the Center and its work providing a safe, welcoming place for everyone--even vampires, if they are kind. /2
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
Be ready to slay the bloodthirsty competition at trivia! It's all Buffy at The Center this Thursday, October 9, from 6-8 pm. Get tickets early at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or message us to know you'll pay in cash at the door.

No I'm not sorry for the puns. /1
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
Sword Crossed, by Freya Marske

The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo

Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston

Legends & Lattes, by Travis Baldree

Felix Ever After, by Kacen Callender

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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
Romance books can be warm and cozy, sizzling and spicy, and everything in between. And they can come in nearly any genre, from historical to fantasy to comedy. LGBTQ+ romance books are no different!

Check out one of the following titles to make your heart (and maybe other parts) sing. /1
Sword Crossed, by Freya Marske The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston Legends & Lattes, by Travis Baldree Felix Ever After, by Kacen Callender
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
My Rainbow, by DeShanna Neal, Trinity Neal, and Art Twink

Uncle Bobby's Wedding, by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto

And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, and Henry Cole

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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
Jacob's Room to Choose, by Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno

When Aidan Became a Big Brother, by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
These titles are just a few of the marvelous children's books that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Ask for other suggestions at your local library or bookstore!

Mr. Watson's Chickens, by Jarrett Dapier and Andrea Tsurumi

Pride Puppy!, by Robin Stevenson and Julie McLaughlin

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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
And kids who do not have personal experience with people in the Community can learn empathy and understanding that will make them kinder members of the wider world. /2
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 1d
Our Banned Books Week celebration of LBGTQ+ books continues with a look at children's books. You're never too young to see your family represented in a picture book, and know that you belong and are loved. /1
Mr. Watson's Chickens, by Jarrett Dapier and Andrea Tsurumi Pride Puppy!, by Robin Stevenson and Julie McLaughlin Jacob's Room to Choose, by Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno When Aidan Became a Big Brother, by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita My Rainbow, by DeShanna Neal, Trinity Neal, and Art Twink Uncle Bobby's Wedding, by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, and Henry Cole
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 2d
Lunar Boy, by Jes and Cin Wibowo (Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award)

Canto Contigo, by Jonny Garza Villa (Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award)

Learn more about these and other honorees at
www.ala.org/rrt/award/st...
Stonewall Book Awards List
The first and most enduring award for LGBTQIA+ books is the Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table. Since Isabel Miller's Patience and Sarah receive...
www.ala.org
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 2d
Some Strange Music Draws Me In, by Griffin Hansbury (Barbara Gittings Literature Award)

DEED, by torrin a. greathouse (Barbara Gittings POETRY Award)

Sex With a Brain Injury: On Concussion and Recovery, by Annie Liontas (Israel Fishman Nonfiction Award)
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 2d
Today we recognize the 2025 Stonewall Award winners. The Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table, is the first and most enduring award for LGBTQ+ books.
2025 Stonewall Award Winners Some Strange Music Draws Me In, by Griffin Hansbury DEED, by torrin a. greathouse Sex With a Brain Injury: On Concussion and Recovery, by Annie Liontas Lunar Boy, by Jes and Cin Wibowo Canto Contigo, by Jonny Garza Villa
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 3d
Learn more about Banned Books Week here: bannedbooksweek.org
Banned Books Week | October 5-11, 2025
bannedbooksweek.org
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 3d
The book geeks at HumanKIND Initiative have put together a collection of LGBTQ+ titles we know you'll love: award winners, romances, scifi and fantasy, YA, memoirs, and more. We'll share these throughout the week, and we hope you'll comment with your own favorites.

Your poor TBR will be groaning.
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 3d
Books are a critical vehicle for LGBTQ+ creative expression, and LGBTQ+ representation on library shelves is vital to creating a world where are people are treated with respect and kindness.
25% of book bans target those with LGBTQ+ characters and themes. All this week, HumanKIND Initiative will be sharing LGBTQ+ titles and authors to help pack your TBR list. Share your favorite LGBTQ+ books and writers in the comments! Banned Books Week October 5-11, 2025
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 8d
Want to stay on top of everything going on with HumanKIND Initiative and The Center? Sign up for our monthly e-Newsletter!
Go to www.humankindinitiative.org and fill out the newsletter request on the main page! Simple as that. New issue drops October 1, full of news and events. Don't miss a minute!
Home - The HumanKIND Initiative
Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.
www.humankindinitiative.org
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 8d
As always, our concession stand will be open for all your thirsty snacking needs. Plus pizza from Pine Hills for sale by the slice! All proceeds benefit The Center and its work providing safe space, resources, and kindness to lgbtqia+ folks and others.

www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
Trivia Thursday
Grab a group of your smartest friends (or at least throw a couple of smart ones in the mix) and join us every other Thursday for TRIVIA THURSDAYS at The Center! Teams of up to 10 brains can sign up to...
www.zeffy.com
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 8d
Thursday Trivia in October kicks off with everyone's favorite vampire slayer. Want to prove your Buffy Megafan credentials and win some cold hard cash while fundraising?

Register ahead at Www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday OR send us a message to RSVP and pay in cash when you arrive!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Trivia Night at The Center Thursday, October 9 6-8 pm Cash Prize! $10 per person teams up to 8 people tickets at [link provided] Proceeds benefit the William E. Heisler Center for KINDness 1660 N. 2051st Rd. Ottawa IL
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 9d
Calling all fiber artisans & crafters! Starting Sunday, October 5, you can join your fellow enthusiasts the new Fiber Arts Craft & Chat group. Bring your current project to The Center anytime between 10 am and 1 pm for cozy crafting and conversation in a safe, welcoming environment.
New at the Center Fiber Arts Craft & Chat Knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch, rug hooking, felting, etc Every Sunday 10 am - 1 pm the William E. Heisler Center for KINDness 1660 N. 2501st Rd., Ottawa, IL
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humankindpride.bsky.social
HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 9d
Come and channel your inner Vincent Van Ghoul for a good cause!

Reserve your spot at Paint with Spirits now at
www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits
Paint with Spirits
It's Spooky season and you know what that means! Time for some ghoulish fundraising!On Saturday, October 18th, head on over to The William E. Heisler Center for KINDness (The Center) as we create fant...
www.zeffy.com
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