When I opened a children’s book store, High Five Books, six years ago, I knew I’d need to rely on the trust and generosity of this community to stay afloat. What I didn’t realize was how much of this beautiful, weird, hard, sweet job would be about connecting readers and their caretakers with local resources.
Case in point: Our bookselling crew has the consistent privilege of meeting new young readers exploring their identities along the gender spectrum. Regularly, these are families new to our Sanctuary City who are looking for support and community for their kiddo. (And affirming queer books, but we’re on top of that!)
These days, I’m feeling scared for the security of an organization our team — and hundreds of families around Western Massachusetts — relies on constantly: Translate Gender, a trans-led organization here in Northampton that supports and empowers transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth and their families. They offer myriad family resources, including:
— Youth programming and mentorship programs, including an Affirmations Book Club we co-host monthly here at High Five.
— Caregiver and QTBIPOC support.
— Trainings for schools and organizations to create accountable, inclusive environments for trans folks of all ages.
Right now, orgs like Translate Gender are really struggling — state grants and big foundations are reducing their funding, but the trans community needs more help than ever.
If you are so moved, please make a donation of any amount to help Translate Gender keep showing up and offering safe spaces, connections, and celebratory support. If you really want to make a difference, I hope you’ll consider becoming a monthly donor to sustain their work. Every single dollar makes a difference. Learn more and donate here: https://bit.ly/TGFall2025.
Thank you for showing your care for young people who deserve to feel seen, loved, and safe.
Lexi Walters Wright
Florence