EQDG Features Story Of Trans Child For One Book, One Town

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — For its March 2025 One Book, One Town selection, EQDG has chosen "This Is How It Always It Is," which follows the experiences of a five-year-old transgender girl and her family as she begins to live life as a girl. Several events are planned to coincide with the reading, including a virtual talk from author Laurie Frankel.

"This Is How It Always It Is," was chosen for the October installment of actor Reese Witherspoon's Book Club. The events come in the wake of Trump's efforts to ban gender-affirming care for trans children.

The One Book One Town events are as follows.

March 5 at 7 p.m.: One Book Discussion Group

Readers can meet at the Downers Grove Public Library on March 5 to discuss "This How It Always Is." Author Damian Serbu will be on hand to help facilitate the discussion.

Click the link to register for the One Book Discussion Group.

March 8 at 10 a.m.: Come Together: Coffee, Conversation, and Connection

Coffee and sweet breakfast snacks will be served at Morton Arboretum for this community discussion, which is tailored to allies of those in the LGBTQ+ community. The event will take place at Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

March 10 at 7 p.m.: From Awareness to Action: Issues Around Gender-Affirming Care

First United Methodist Church will host this interactive event with Dr. Jessica Lapinski to educate community members about the importance of gender-affirming health care. Click the link to register for From Awareness to Action: Issues Around Gender-Affirming Care.

March 11 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Meet Author Laurie Frankel

Readers are invited to attend a virtual event featuring Laurie Frankel, the author of "This Is How It Always Is." Frankel will discuss the book and field questions from the audience. Readers may submit questions in advance by emailing ats@dglibrary.org, as the library is moderating the event.

March 12 at 7 p.m.: The Power of Storytelling: Helping Kids Cope

Therapist Stacey Patterson, who is the Education Director of Alder Grove Counseling, will talk about effective ways to help kids navigate their emotions. Patterson will use storytelling to illustrate scenarios during the event, which will be held at Anderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove. Click to register for The Power of Storytelling: Helping Kids Cope.

March 13 at 7 p.m.: Literary Party & Grand Raffle!

Cadence Kitchen in Downers Grove will host the March Literary Party & Grand Raffle! The event features food and drinks, along with music and a raffle. Click the link to register for the Literary Party & Grand Raffle!

In early February, EQDG condemned a slew of executive orders affecting the rights of transgender people.