Children’s author Alex Gino speaks to a group of Clarke Central High School students in the Media Center on March 17. Senior Erin Bothe, who attended the event, appreciates the positive representation that Gino’s books provide. “I don’t have to worry about the gay or queer tragedy trope when I’m reading their books because they know how much it sucks to be stereotyped like that. It’s awesome to see good representation,” Bothe said. Photo by Ireland McCage
In a March 17 author visit, children’s author Alex Gino discussed queer representation, queer literature and their own writing and experiences with students at CCHS.
With colorful hair, a rainbow skirt and an open, honest queer perspective, children’s author Alex Gino visited Clarke Central High School and Clarke Middle School on March 17 to speak with students about their books, their experiences and the importance of queer representation.
Gino, who identifies as genderqueer, has published three middle-grade books, two of which focus on queer stories: “Melissa” and “Rick,” with a third, “Alice Austen Lived Here,” releasing on June 7.
“Alex (talked) about how these stories should be told by LGBTQ writers and how rich that makes these characters and their experiences and I firmly believe in that, so providing something like this for (students) is super important to me,” Media Specialist Angie Pendley said. “For us to have this safe space at our school, and to be able to include outsiders in that safe space is a magnificent thing. (We’re) able to say ‘This is what we value at our school, and this is how we take care of each other.’”
“Alex (talked) about how these stories should be told by LGBTQ writers and how rich that makes these characters and their experiences and I firmly believe in that, so providing something like this for (students) is super important to me.”
— Angie Pendley,
Media Specialist
Before the talk, at 1:15, Gino attended a luncheon with CCHS students nominated by English teachers. To senior Erin Bothe, who attended both the luncheon and the author’s talk, and introduced Gino with senior Mel Bothe, the experience was overwhelmingly positive.
“In the shortest terms, it was freaking amazing. In longer terms, it was both heartwarming and educational and nourishing and awesome. I went to the lunch with them earlier, and I sat next to them, and it was awesome to see a queer author writing queer books for queer people,” Bothe said. “I think Alex Gino is someone who’s making the world a better place.”
After the luncheon, Gino had a Q&A with 39 CCHS students who signed up for the event. In the Q&A, Gino answered questions and discussed their own experiences with gender identity, queer community, queer literature and their writing and publishing journey.
“I’m not part of the community, but so many people around me are: my moms, my sister. I’ve heard such great things about Alex Gino and the books they’ve written and I wanted to see more about it,” freshman Royce Barham said. “(With) this engaged community question and answer, I felt it was a really positive experience. Definitely, after this, as soon as it comes in stock, I’m going to be checking out “Melissa.””
At events such as the ones at CCHS and CMS, Gino enjoys the opportunity to speak with youth and share their stories.
“Selfishly, it’s how I connect and keep up on what’s going on. I think it’s important to meet with young people and honestly answer their questions, and not always know (the answer) but be willing to share what I do know. I love it, especially when high school students are willing to talk about a younger book,” Gino said. “Queer representation is really important. Find it, make it.”
Story by Natalie Schliekelman
Mini-gallery by Ireland McCage
