Scottish trans youth stage a second ‘read-in’ after Glasgow City Council ignore concerns about funding cuts

GLASGOW, 11 AUGUST 2025, 11:15AM— Six activists from the direct action network Trans Kids Deserve Better (TKDB) Scotland staged a second 'read-in' at Glasgow City Chambers after attempts to reach out to Susan Aitken, the Leader of Glasgow City Council.

After waiting over a month for a response, the activists refuse to wait any longer and demand to be heard by Glasgow City Council, which is why they've returned to protest again. Armed again with flags, banners, and queer books of all genres, TKDB Scotland vow to continue the fight to defend their safe spaces.

Upon arrival to Glasgow City Chambers, the activists found themselves locked out. The Chambers are meant to be open to the public, meaning that they'd deliberately shut to prevent TKDB Scotland's action - but the activists persisted, continuing the protest outside.

The teenage activists' initial 'read-in', staged inside the Chambers, protested the council's proposed cut to school library provisions to save £100,000, by replacing school librarians with 'area based' librarians responsible for multiple schools. This was a sit-in where they read queer books (a 'read-in') that showcased how important school libraries are, especially to queer children, and that the proposed cuts would threaten the literacy and safe spaces of many kids in the city.

William Wallace (he/him) said, “Susan Aitken ignoring our attempts to have a meeting shows that she doesn't care about the people she affects. Libraries are a safe haven for trans kids, and removing librarians will greatly effect these vulnerable groups.”

School libraries and librarians themselves have helped create a safe space for trans youth to feel comfortable and explore their gender identity, especially in a growingly hostile political environment and when many queer youth do not feel supported enough at home. Librarians deserve to feel secure in their workplace, without worrying about their job security - the work they do is important. Trans Kids Deserve to have a space to express themselves, free of bullying and harassment.

Imogen (they/them) said, “We refuse to sit silently and accept defeat. Trans kids demand our safe spaces. We demand to be heard. We demand a meeting with Susan Aitken.“

The activists have made their demands very clear - they demand:
- a meeting with Susan Aitken!
- to prevent the removal of safe spaces from trans kids!
- to ensure education on issues affecting trans kids!

During their first read-in, TKDB Scotland linked a change.org petition, which has now reached over 1450 verified signatures - people are clearly not happy with these proposed changes.

Find photos and videos here.