Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Stay Gold, Pony Boy

This summer we are highlighting #OwnVoices books. #OwnVoices, a hashtag created by Corinne Duyvis, highlights books that are written by an author that shares a marginalized identity with the protagonist because the best people to represent a marginalized group are those who experience that marginalization. We love being able to share these great books by amazing authors with you!

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 Stay Gold by Tolby McSmith

In this young adult book, Pony is a senior at a new school and he just wants to keep a low profile and graduate unnoticed, especially after all the attention he got at his old school when he came out as transgender. He's struggling to stay focused when he is always scared someone will find out and he'll be the talk of the school...again. Georgia is beginning to think there's more to life than cheerleading. She plans on keeping a low profile until graduation as well...which is why she promised herself no dating until after high school. 

Then, on the very first day of school, the new guy and the cheerleader lock eyes. How is Pony supposed to stay stealth when he wants to get close to a girl like Georgia? How is Georgia supposed to keep her promise when sparks start flying with a boy like Pony? This books is about teens finding love and finding themselves.

In Stay GoldPony argues with his father about his over his pronouns and his dead name (the name he was given at birth that he no longer uses). Pony's dad struggles to understand Pony and his identity and it can be exhausting for Pony to always be explaining his orientation to people who do not understand. 

Luckily, there are many resources for friends, family members, and allies who want to understand and support their LGBTQ+ family and friends. 

This book truly is a quick and easy read. It's a graphic novel style book that explains how to use gender neutral pronouns like They/Them, but it can also be helpful in understanding any pronouns that may be unfamiliar.

This book is also a graphic novel style reader that helps explain Queer and Trans Identities. It covers essential topics like sexuality, gender identity, coming out, and navigating relationships. This guide explains the spectrum of human experience through informative comics, interviews, worksheets, and imaginative examples. It is a great starting point for anyone curious about queer and trans life, and helpful for those already on their own journeys!

In Stay Gold, Pony reflects on how it’s hard to live your best life when the threat of exposure lurks down every hallway and in every bathroom. But Pony, with help from his friends and his sister, tries to look for the best in every situation and chooses to be happy with who he is. He celebrates himself and the diversity around him. 

The Gay Agenda by Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham

The Gay Agenda is a book celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Written by a self-described "queer and trans power couple," this book celebrates achievements made by queer people, discusses history in fun timelines, it's packed with trivia, charts, info-graphics and more in bright colors and fun illustrations.

 When Pony transitioned he chose a new name. His inspiration for his name came from the book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Although Stay Gold and The Outsiders are very different Pony identifies strongly with the characters and themes in the book. 

The Outsiders by S.E. Henton

In The Outsiders, Johnny lays dying when he tells Ponyboy to "Stay Gold." Earlier the boys had talked about how "Nothing gold can stay," meaning that all good things must come to an end. Which the boys take to mean their youthful innocence must end. This line is urging Johnny to stay innocent. Check it out and see what other characteristics of Ponyboy helped Pony in choosing his name.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or needs someone to talk to, please call 1-866-488-738 or visit TheTrevorProject.org.

We see you. You Matter.

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