The works of eight authors will be the focus of a Pride Month virtual literary series at Augusta University beginning June 1.
“This is great for teachers,” said Dr. Rebecca Harper, associate professor of literacy with the Department of Advanced Studies & Innovation at Augusta University and director of the AU Writing Project, who often don’t have titles related to LGBTQ+ subjects in their classrooms.
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Through the series, they can become aware of authors and titles which address the LGBTQ+ issues, she said.
The eight authors will be part of a Zoom discussion, which is free to interested participants.
The authors include Leslea Newman on June 1; Bill Konigsberg, June 7; Lev Rosen, June 9; Meredith Russo, June 14; Mark Oshiro, June 16; Cris Beam, June 21; Alex Gino, June 23; and Susan Kuklin, June 28. The meetings begin at 7 p.m.
Lev Rosen will be the featured speaker in the AU Literary Series June 9. Courtesy photo 
Mark Oshiro will be the featured author June 16. Courtesy photo
The virtual author talks began as a result of the pandemic. Teachers could not attend on-site workshops, so Harper decided to take to the internet and invited authors to speak and answer questions related to their works.
She never realized how popular the online events would become.
“It’s been fantastic,” Harper said.
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Originally intended for local teachers, the program has reached interested teachers, media specialist and community in the area as well as California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas and Michigan.
The series has been so popular, she’s already booked authors through the end of 2020.
“It snowballed,” said Harper, who never imagined it would’ve gained such popularity.
Not only have teachers been able to talk to authors and learn more about their works, but they’ve also gained books for their libraries.
MORE: The Heart of the Matter: Addressing LGBTQ+ Health Care Needs
Harper said she tries to get books from the featured authors into the hands of the teachers who’ve participated in the events. So far, about 300 titles have been given to teachers.
To learn more about the series or to sign up, go to https://www.augusta.edu/education/community-outreach/writing_project/
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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