Scottish trans youth stage ‘read-in’ after Glasgow City Council attempt to cut school librarians
Sebastian (he/him) said: “If they take our librarians they'll take our libraries. They tell us they want higher literacy rates in schools and take away our resources. My school librarian is the reason I know who I am. We cannot take that away from the younger generations!”
7/7/20251 min read
GLASGOW, 07 July 2025, 12:00PM, Six Scottish trans youth stage a ‘read-in’ at Glasgow City Chambers.
The ‘read-in’ is in protest of Glasgow City Council’s proposed cut to school library provisions to save £100,000. The young activists from Trans Kids Deserve Better Scotland were seen staging a sit in while reading queer books (‘read-in’) to show the importance school libraries had on their literacy.
Whale (he/him) said: “As a trans kid, libraries are really important to me as they are often the only place in my school where I can be myself. I admire my school's librarian as I've seen how much she helps queer kids by providing a safe space, losing her would mean losing a part of our community.”
School libraries and librarians themselves have helped create a safe space for trans youth to feel comfortable and explore their gender identity. This ‘read-in’ hopes to show how important these spaces are for trans youth to learn and educate themselves.
Their demands are clear:
Don’t take safe spaces away from trans kids!
Don’t cut funding to school libraries!
Help educate kids on trans issues!
Imogen (they/them) said: “We deserve to feel safe in school. My librarian made that possible. She saved my LIFE. I would not understand my gender if it weren’t for her help and we need more of that in schools because mainstream education is horrible. School libraries save trans kids’ lives!”
With flags, placards and queer books, the teenage activists call on their community to tell their stories of how school libraries helped them feel safe. They have a banner for people to write their trans and queer stories of school libraries and librarians.
Please sign this petition to save our safe spaces here
Find photos and videos here