A new book by Peggy Elman Gillespie ’69 illuminates the experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals, providing a platform for them to share their unique journeys, challenges, and victories. Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families is based on an exhibit created in part by Jack Pierson’08, M.S.W. ’17, who interned with Gillespie at Family Diversity Projects. Gillespie (above) co-founded the Northampton based non-profit organization, which aims to promote understanding and acceptance of diverse family structures, and her work landed her on the cover of the Winter 2000–01 SAQ. The organization has since produced eight traveling exhibits on various topics related to family diversity, with Authentic Selves being the most recent. Given the current anti-trans climate in our country, Gillespie says, the exhibit and companion book could not have been released at a more critical time.
Authentic Selves
Edited by Peggy Gillespie ’69
Skinner House Books, May 2023
