Gender the focus for new JKP list

UK indie Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) is launching a new list of gender-diverse books in January, in a bid to help “encourage greater understanding of gender identity and expression”.

The list, which will include a range of titles from informative guides to children’s stories, intends to provide “inspiration and support” to readers and promote discussion about the complexity of gender diversity. It features first-person perspectives in Declan Henry’s Trans Voices, a “comprehensive” introduction to the prejudices faced by those of trans or non-binary gender; and in Wenn and Beatrice Lawson’s Transitioning Together, an account of how the couple handled Wenn’s decision to transition from female to male. JKP will also publish kids’ books Can I Tell You about Gender Diversity? by C J Atkinson, touted as the “first illustrated guide to gender diversity”, and Who Are You? by Brook Pessin-Whedbee, which introduces gender as a spectrum.

Senior commissioning editor Andrew James said the focus on gender fluidity underscores JKP’s “commitment to making a difference”, adding that the imprint would “champion this tradition” and provide “essential support and information for children and young people through to families, professionals and organisations”.

JKP is the latest publisher to attempt to expand the diversity of its schemes or publishing.

In July, Penguin Random House UK launched WriteNow, a campaign to find, mentor and publish writers from socio-economically marginalised backgrounds; from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or black, Asian and minority ethnic communities; or those who have a disability.