By Michele Karlsberg–
David Corey, manager of the U.S. sales and marketing office for Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) is featured in this issue of the San Francisco Bay Times. It was a pleasure for me to speak with David about a very important line of gender diversity books from JKP.
Michele Karlsberg: It is very exciting that you have launched a superb gender diversity list addressing and dismantling the gender binary. Can you tell us what inspired JKP to create such an expansive list and why it is important?
David Corey: Jessica Kingsley Publishers’ inspiration is the readers who are vital in guiding editorial direction. For example, we publish books on autism, counseling and mental health; special education; social work; adoption; and foster care. Gender diversity is an underserved topic that intersects with many of the areas where we already publish, so it was a natural step. We publish books for transgender and genderqueer people and their supporters, parents, teachers, and mental health professionals, and the public at large. JKP’s gender diversity books provide vital tools to those who seek to be seen and heard, and to those who advocate for such on their behalf.
Michele Karlsberg: You are publishing many transgender/gender diverse titles for young readers. Do you think these books will help adults understand various gender challenges better?
David Corey: Helping children and teens has always been central to JKP’s mission. Our gender diversity books for younger readers are simply an extension of that mission. Books for children and young adults are the thin end of the wedge in expanding understanding of a topic or issue to people of all ages. After all, it is adults who largely seek out books to help young readers. And in helping, these adults also learn. Children’s books also explain concepts simply without taking on a lecturing tone, benefiting adults who might be otherwise confused or resistant to understanding, such as the difference between sex, gender and sexuality, or how gender identity and gender expression are not interchangeable concepts. Books such as Who Are You? and Trans Teen Survival Guide are excellent examples of this.
Michele Karlsberg: Despite the progress in the LGBTQI community, institutions are still dealing with acceptance issues. Are there titles that you have published that can help with inclusiveness?
David Corey: Absolutely. In November, 2018, JKP will publish Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Trans (But Were Afraid to Ask), a myth-busting “trans 101” on hot button issues and debates relating to transgender people across all aspects of life. In addition, we recently published two excellent books targeted directly toward organizations and human resource departments: Gender Diversity and Non-Binary Inclusion in the Workplace and Transgender Employees in the Workplace. (We also just published Transitioning in the Workplace, a self-help guide to those seeking to transition while balancing career ambitions with personal privacy needs.)
Michele Karlsberg: How do you foresee the future of JKP with your gender diversity titles and community involvement?
David Corey: Our relationship coordinator is responsible for forming and growing connections and community with those organizations that are on the front lines of advocacy on behalf of readers. In Philadelphia alone, we maintain connections with the Mazzoni Center, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and other smaller advocacy groups, organizations and individuals. These are the organizations that are doing the blessedly hard work of helping transgender and gender diverse people. Our role is simply to provide resources and support anywhere we can.
Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQI community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates thirty years of successful book campaigns.
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