Statement of Support for LGBTQ+ Students & Armenians Affected by Recent Protests

The International Armenian Literary Alliance (IALA) stands in solidarity with queer Armenians and LGBTQ+ children, families, educators and staff affected by the recent violence at protests at Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood and the Glendale Unified School District in Glendale, California. Armenian Americans have taken great strides in embracing and centering queer Armenian voices, and IALA has been proud to be part of that arc towards justice by supporting queer Armenian writers and stories. We will continue this work in spite of far right efforts in the United States to ban books about LGBTQ+ children and families. As writers, readers, and educators, we call on all community members to get the facts and to resist being co-opted in exploitative culture wars that harm LGBTQ+ youth and their peers. Additionally, we call on all elementary and secondary schools to provide curriculum and library content that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. 

The following resources are a starting place to learn about queer Armenian experiences and identity:

• The Queer Armenian Library
• The Hye-Phen Magazine
• Azad Archives
• Anamot Press
• Right Side
• Pink Armenia
• GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society
• Love Conquers Fear by Carolina Gazal
• PRIDE and a More Inclusive Armenian Future by Lillian Avedian