You have to open a book before you can read it. And according to the Human Library project, you have to open your mind before you can understand.
Co-sponsored by the Sedona International City of Peace, the Rotary Club of Sedona and the Sedona Public Library, the Human Library returns for its second year in red rock country.
The goal of the project, according to the Human Library website, is to challenge stereotypes and prejudices by encouraging dialogue.
To do so, people who have been marginalized, stigmatized or simply misunderstood for their differences present their stories as human “books” for people to read. After they share their stories, listeners are able to ask questions of their “books.” During the Sedona Human Library on Sunday, Sept. 23, at the Sedona Public Library, about 40 human books will be on loan.
Chris Duarte is one of the books sharing his story. In “The Process of Becoming,” Duarte will talk about coming out as a transgender man.
“By being out and sharing my story, it not only creates awareness among people that are not transgender, but it also creates welcoming spaces for people to start having conversations around it, as well as transgender people that may be fearful about coming out,” Duarte said. He lives in Prescott and is the executive director of the Greater Yavapai County Coalition, an organization that helps lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people find resources and support.
“It’s a testament to never give up, never let stuff get you down and it’s possible to overcome challenges,” he said.
Duarte was raised in a rural area with a religious family. He grew up, married and had a daughter before he came out, first as a lesbian, then as transgender man.
“I was the one who needed help, and when I went to go find help, there was no one to help me,” Duarte said. It’s why he founded the Greater Yavapai County Coalition, and it’s why he speaks out about his experiences now. “Through that process I became the resource I was looking for.
“Identities do not define us, they’re merely a characteristic of who we are,” he said. “Although there may be things that are really different about us, there’s so much the same about us. I’m a safe space to ask questions.” Maia Kincaid, an animal communicator, is returning after participating as a book last year.
“When I was asked to do it last year, right away I thought, ‘Oh, this is so cool.’ I just love the idea of the project,” Kincaid said. “People asked really great questions, and they were really engaging.” This year, she’s again presenting her story about what it means to communicate with animals, and she’ll also be sharing as someone who grieves for a pet that died.
Duarte and Kincaid will share more of their stories, and answer questions about their experiences, during the Human Library, along with other human books including a burn survivor, a Democrat who voted for Donald Trump, a UFO abductee and someone who grew up privileged.
Although the time to register to attend the Human Library has passed, walk-ins are welcome and attendance is free.
The Human Library takes place Sunday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a break from 1 to 2 p.m., at the Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road.
