loading . . . Dayton Metro Library hosts upcoming free transgender history summit (Image by H.L. Comeriato)
Last year, Dayton Metro Library (DML) Community Impact Specialist Jordan Ostrum debuted Ohio’s first and only summit on transgender history: “We’ll Always Be Here: A Summit on Trans Lives Past, Present, & Future.”
This year, Ostrum said the summit – which takes place at DML’s Main Library on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. – will offer even more for LGBTQ+ library patrons and their loved ones.
“One of Dayton Metro Library’s strategic plan goals is to connect patrons with community support systems,” Ostrum said. “I envisioned an event where we were looking at trans history, but using trans history for us all to work towards a future in which everyone is free to belong.”
“It was such a meaningful event for everyone last year, but I would love to see an even greater turnout this year,” he added. “I want this to be life-changing and life-affirming.”
#### Reflected on the page (and the stage)
“A huge part of what I do is building bridges between community members who are already doing this work,” Ostrum said. “My goal is to create spaces for people to deepen their connections with each other and to find the tools and the resources they need to help them live their best lives.”
Last year’s inaugural summit featured trans historian, author and educator Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, along with an intergenerational panel and appearances by local LGBTQ+ leaders.
#### How one library is offering a lifeline for queer Ohioans with one of the nation’s only LGBTQ+ specialist roles
This year, the summit’s keynote speaker is Robin Gow, a Lambda Literary Award-winning author of multiple young adult and middle-grade books, including A Million Quiet Revolutions, Dear Mothman, Ode to My First Car and Gooseberry.
Gow – who lives and works in rural Pennsylvania – will also lead a mutual aid plenary workshop providing “insight on how to best implement mutual aid practices in our own communities.”
“In librarian world, we talk a lot about windows and mirrors. Every good collection of books has windows – where you can peek into a life that’s different from your own – and mirrors, where you can see yourself reflected in the literature that you’re reading,” Ostrum said.
“We have this certified national talent coming to Dayton for folks to be able to hear,” he added. “This is going to be such a phenomenal opportunity for young trans folks to see themselves reflected not only on the page, but on the stage.”
#### Resources and community
The 2025 summit will also feature: a workshop led by certified speech language pathologist Marissa Nguyen, a screening of the documentary “Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton’s Cafeteria” and a gender-affirming clothing workshop featuring Jesy Anderson – creative director of Needle, Ink & Thread: A Modern Sewing Studio.
“If you bring a T-shirt, you can actually learn right then and there how to alter it to make it more affirming for you and your gender and your body type,” Ostrum said. “There’s absolutely something for everyone. There’s really nothing like this event in the area.”
Local reference and instruction librarian Lajmar Anderson will lead a lecture on finding sources “to further excavate the history of LGBTQIA+ folks of color,” and Black Transmen of Ohio founder and president Khris Goins will lead a plenary panel on the lived experiences of Black transgender men from across the state.
“I think it’s so important that we center the voices of our Black and brown neighbors and trans friends. I think that’s just going to be a really illuminating experience for folks,” Ostrum said.
Attendees will receive free lunch courtesy of PFLAG Dayton with additional support from the Gatlyn Dame Group – a Dayton-based non-profit organization serving trans, non-binary and gender-non-conforming people across the region.
The Dayton Men’s Chorus will close the event with a performance at 5pm.
#### ‘Please show up’
“If you’re feeling scared, if you’re not sure how you’re going to live your best life, please show up,” Ostrum said. “This is a way where you can learn how to take care of both yourself and your community. This is going to be such an affirming, safe, celebratory day filled with trans joy and with amazing allyship.”
The event will have security, free on-site free parking and a craft area with music.
“I truly urge folks to come for their own sake. I think you’ll get so much out of this. It’s a free event that’s worth its weight in gold,” Ostrum said – even teasing a surprise announcement for those in attendance.
The event is open to cisgender people looking to support their transgender friends, family members and loved ones as they navigate a time of enormous legal uncertainty:
“People talk about voting with their wallet, but this is a way to use your presence to come and support trans people and to help make sure that events like this can continue to happen,” Ostrum said.
For transgender Ohioans, Ostrum hopes the event is both useful and joyful.
“Don’t just struggle alone in despair,” he said. “Let’s strive together. Come come fill your cup with hope and community.” 🔥
* * *
#### Ignite Action
* To learn more about “We’ll Always Be Here: A Summit on Trans Lives Past, Present, & Future,” click here.
* To access a full listing of LGBTQ+ events at the Dayton Metro Library, click here.
* If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
* If you are an transgender adult in crisis, please contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
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