A Positive Affirmations and
Activity Book with Invaluable
Information for All Queer Teens!
Affirmations and words
of wisdom that inspire,
empower, and strengthen the
hearts and minds of
queer teens.
ACTIVITIES
for
self-discovery
and
self-acceptance.
Queer Questions
Thought provoking
questions that encourage positive chage
Ask Yourself
Quotes from
Queer Teens
Across the U.S.
Inspirational and motivational quotes and information. Queer Cheer provides advice and words of wisdom encouraging teens to find—and keep—their inner rainbow. Covering topics relevant to lgbt+ teens today, this book includes everything ranging from bullies and discrimination to acceptance and advocating change.
Illustrated words of encouragement from a friend. Authors Eric Rosswood and Jodie Anders know what it’s like to be a teen struggling with identity and societal norms. That’s why they’re fighting to counter the negativity facing queer teens now and in the future. Queer Cheer includes many teen voices across America offering tips, advice, related firsthand experiences, and other valuable knowledge.
Where to buy
Queer Cheer is out in stores now! order at these links...
...or wherever books are sold!
support your local bookstore!
What readers are saying
“This book should be required reading for any child/adolescent development class and any queer studies class! It gives a real perspective of queer teens and shows what kind of support can be helpful.”
- C.J.
“I love all the quotes in the book. It’s cool to read what others like me think about things like school inclusion, coming out, or dating. It’s also fun reading the questions with my friends.”
- Charlie
“I had the chance to read an advanced copy and shared it with my daughter. There is so much positive encouragement throughout this book and tons of resources, advice, and information that she could really use.”
- Sharon
“If I'd had this book as a teen, I truly believe that the years of confusion surrounding my identity would have been much shorter. If you've ever felt like you're alone in this world, whether you're a teen or even an adult, this book shows you that you have an entire community that supports and loves you.”
- Carole
“This book should be in every school, community center, and LGBTQ+ center. Even at my age, I got so much out of reading this. We all need some way to cheer ourselves on when the world outside seems to be getting gray. Let this colorful ray of joy brighten your day. I know I plan to use it throughout Pride month and beyond.”
- Louis
“While this book is designed for teens, I think the book is really meaningful for all ages. I found so many thought-provoking and inspirational things as I read the book. There are some great affirmations like, “By being visible and living my truth, I inspire those around me to do the same.” And, “I have all the time I need to explore who I am.””
- Big Gay Fiction Podcast
“The amount of thought that went into this book by the authors is astounding. This book really helps the reader dive deep into their own mind and organize their thoughts as well as build confidence and self-worth. There are 20+ LGBTQ+ teens in this book who are using their voices to express their stories and backgrounds, which I love for the reader!!! I think I’m going purchase another for myself just for better understanding of what this community faces and how they feel on a daily basis. I’m so happy I came across this book.”
- Adrienne
“As a clinician working with LGBTQ+ youth, I often seek resources to help my clients navigate their identities and challenges. “Queer Cheer: Activities, Advice, and Affirmations for LGBTQ+ Teens” is a book that stands out in that regard.”
- Dr. Chelse Song
About The Authors
Eric
Eric Rosswood is an author and commentator on LGBTQ issues including civil rights, parenting, marriage, and politics. He has led panels on LGBTQ parenting issues for organizations such as the Family Equality Council and the Modern Family Alliance.
His bestselling book, Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood, won numerous awards including the best Parenting/Family/Relationships book in the IAN Book of the Year Awards, the best Parenting book in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, and the best LGBTQ Non-Fiction book in the International Best Book Awards. His picture book, Strong, won the Stonewall Honor from the American Library Association.
Jodie
Jodie Anders is an author and screenwriter who believes seeing the world from different perspectives, real or imagined, is crucial for personal and communal growth.
As a young queer Jew, Jodie was initially scared to be herself. However, the diversity she encountered in stories and her travels to over thirty countries encouraged her to embrace her true self. She learned the transformative power of vulnerability and began volunteering with a non-profit organization that teaches confidence and leadership to teenage girls. Her experience inspired her to write stories that explore the power of diversity, social mistrust, and acceptance.
Jodie earned an MFA from City College of New York and completed the UCLA Professionals Program in TV Writing.
News
3/1/2024 - Pre-orders are now available!
Queer Cheer is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold!
4/16/24 - Pre-order PDF Bonus Opportunity!
QUEER CHEER officially publishes on May 28, but everyone who pre-orders the book now will also get a FREE downloadable workbook with bonus affirmations and fun activities! To take advantage of this offer, just pre-order the book from your favorite retailer and fill out this form when you’re done. Your bonus workbook will be sent to your email shortly after the launch date.
4/16/24 - Bonuses available for Pre-Orders at the Village Bookstore
We’ve partnered with the Village Bookstore to offer even more fabulous goodies! In addition to the FREE downloadable workbook with bonus affirmations and fun activities, if you pre-order now through the Village Bookstore, you’ll also get:
- A signed bookplate
- A fabulous QUEER CHEER bookmark
- Temporary Pride tattoos
In addition to everything above, the first 15 people who pre-order through the Village Bookstore will get a free, signed copy of Eric’s book, WE MAKE IT BETTER!
5/28/24 - Queer Cheer is out in stores!
We’re the #1 new release on Amazon in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Issues!!
6/3/24 - Queer Cheer is featured on the Big Gay Fiction Podcast!
Our book is mentioned about three and a half minutes into this great podcast, including a fabulous review! Click here to listen!
6/3/24 - Hear Eric & Jodie’s first live Instagram Convo
The Nonbinarian Book Bike hosted authors Eric and Jodie for a live conversation about Queer Cheer. Listen to it here!
6/4/24 - SCBWI NY interviews Queer Cheer author Eric
Check out this fabulous spotlight article on SCBWI’s website, where Eric is interviewed about the book’s origins and features! Click here
6/5/24 - A week of Instagram reviews!
We are so grateful for all the love and support Queer Cheer has received! Check out these fantastic book reviewers who have highlighted Queer Cheer! (And a huge thank you to them for sharing Queer Cheer!)
Ricky @rickys_radical_reads
Kelly Kervin @spaceonthebookcase
Little Free Library @ablueboxfullofbooks
Jude’s Little Free Library @littlefreenonbinarylibrary
6/16/24 - Bay Area Reporter
Queer Cheer was featured in an article of the Bay Area Reporter Magazine. Read it here!
6/26/24 - Heart Wisdom Panel
Jodie was a guest on the Heart Wisdom Panel along with authors Telaina Eriksen, Brenda Knight, and Sherry Richert Belul . Catch the replay HERE.
7/3/24 - Queer Cheer featured on CBS 8 San Diego
Watch the clip on YouTube HERE and see our book featured on the table during the San Diego Library segment!
7/16/24 - Jodie Interviewed by Fanbase Press
Check out the interview HERE to learn more about the collaboration process, the impact of our messaging, and more!
9/10/24 - Queer Cheer on True Fiction Project Podcast
Reenita Hora interviews Jodie and Eric about how they came together, why representing queer teens is important, and more! Listen HERE.
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates!
Events
Signings, conversations and workshops!
Please note, not all of our events are listed here. We have additional events on the East Coast and select states. For more details on all events or to inquire if there is an event in your city, email QueerCheer@QueerCheerBook.com or sign up for our newsletter.
- 9/19 @7pm PST - Conversation w/ Alder Van Otterloo at Charlie’s Queer Books, Seattle, WA More Info
- 10/28 @6pm CST - Positivity Workshop at Book Burrow, Pflugerville (Austin), TX More Info & Events List
Want to hold an event with the Queer Cheer authors? We are available for school visits, interviews, workshops, panels and more! Inquire at QueerCheer@QueerCheerBook.com
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates!
Extras
Book Club Kit - Coming Soon!
Reader Submitted Affirmations - Coming Soon!
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates!
Resources
CRISIS AND HELPLINES
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Provides specialized LGBTQ+ counseling, stories of hope and recovery, safety plan guides, resources to connect with services and community members.
988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq
Text Q to 988
Dial 988 and press 3
AIDS Crisis Line
Crisis Text Line
Emergency: 911
Essential local and community services: 211
Give Us The Floor
Provides distressed queer teens with positive human connections. Provides a teen-only chat support group,
GLBT Hotline
LGBT Hotline
Provides free and confidential peer support, information, and local resources. Has online instant messaging and moderated group chatrooms for youth ages 19 and younger to find community and support.
LGBT National Youth Talkline (800) 246-7743
Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online live messaging) suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
National Crisis Line – Anorexia and Bulimia
National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
National Hopeline Network
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Local crisis centers provide free and confidential support to people in suicidal or emotional distress.
suicidenpreventionlifeline.org
(800) 273-8255
Rainbow Youth Project
Social welfare organization that promotes health, safety, and wellness of queer youth. Provides statistics and information, mental health & crisis intervention, transgender health care assistance, and legal assistance.
988 or (317) 643-4888
Self-Harm Hotline:
The Trevor Project
Provides information and support, including crisis intervention, helplines, roundtables, etc. Also runs Trevor Space, an online space for LBGTQ+ teens ages 13-24 to make friends.
Call a counselor: 866-488-7386
Text a counselor: Text “Start” to 678678
Chat with a counselor: TravorChat.org
Trans Lifeline
Organization run by trans peers which connects trans people to community support and resources.
(877) 565-8860 (US)
(877) 330-6366 (CA)
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Born This Way Foundation
Supports youth mental health and helps build a kinder and braver world. Resources to build
community and foster good mental health.
Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP)
Provides community healing, education, and support to gender-diverse and trans individuals with
eating disorders.
HIV Positive Magazine
Provides resources to help HIV positive people, including basic information, medical support, and a list of agencies and organizations providing services to people with HIV.
Planned Parenthood
Provides resources and information on STDs, birth control, abortion, emergency contraception, cancer, and other health and wellness topics. Has a teen section about sex, body, bullying, LGBTQ+ issues, puberty, relationships, and has support for guardians/parents. Free and confidential online chat for sexual health questions with trained sexual educators and chat bot.
Hotline: (800) 230-PLAN (7526)
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory
A free, searchable database of LGBTQ+ knowledgeable and affirming doctors, medical professionals and healthcare providers.
LGBTQ and All
Provides instant access to therapists, psychologists, gender confirmation surgeons, treatment centers, mental health professionals and more. Mental health blog, guides, community resources, wellness and business directory of tools across the world.
Scarleteen
Provides sex education and relationship advice and support, message boards, articles, a text support line, and a staff-run live chat service.
Free Text info line: 206-886-2279
imi Guide
Provides guides to support mental health and identity, including guides on stress, stigma, queerness, and gender.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
A directory of queer and trans therapists of color working for healing justice and transforming mental health for queer and trans Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
One Mind PsyberGuide
Provides a guide to vetted mental health apps that are primarily self-guided and mostly free.
onemindpsyberguide.org
Psychology Today
A database of therapists that can be filtered to show queer therapists or those who support LGBTQ+ teens.
psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Rehabnet Database
Provides free, comprehensive information and a database to find drug or alcohol addiction treatment or mental health challenges centers and begin recovery.
(866) 941-7483 (24/7 Treatment help)
SelfSea
A resource guide on queer topics, mental health, stress, managing life’s challenges created by and made for youth ages 13-18. Find community, health resources and more a peer health exchange supported by experts.
To Write Love on Her Arms Mental Health Toolkit
Build your mental health resiliency through this free toolkit which includes guided practice videos by Licensed Mental Health Counselors, worksheets, affirmations, stories of hope and music playlists.
EDUCATION
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Works to create inclusive learning environments. Provides kits to empower school inclusion, resources for educators, and more.
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network
Provides resources for GSAs, including online meetings, wellness activities, summer camps,
leadership programs, and more. Networks 3,500 GSAs nationwide.
History UnErased
Dedicated to putting LGBTQ history in the classroom with inclusive and intersectional US history curriculum.
Network Campus Pride
Helps colleges and universities create safer, more inclusive communities. Has a free online tool to search a database of LGBTQ-Friendly campuses, LGBTQ scholarship database, information on obtaining a FASFA dependency override, job and career connections, leadership camps, and support for fraternity and sorority life, athletics, faith, health, wellness, minorities, and more. One-on-one meetings are available.
(704) 277-6710
Trans Student Educational Resources
Youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment through advocacy and empowerment. Helps train teachers, speaks at conferences, holds workshops, organizes national Trans Youth Leadership Summit, provides leadership training, scholarships for trans students, materials for trans education, and more.
https://transstudent.org/graphics/ infographics
Youth Pride Association
Works to address hardships LGBTQ+ youth face in schools. Resources for acceptance week program tailored to each school, free virtual support groups, peer mentorship, materials for schools for inclusive policymaking, student created PSAs, etc.
(949) 755-7694
JOBS AND FINANCIAL AID
GenEQ Guide to Entering the Workforce
A LGBTQ+ guide for youth transitioning to the workplace. Guides for finding employment, policies, resumes, interview strategies and more.
hrc.org/resources/geneq-guide-to-entering-the-workforce
LGBTQ+ Student Scholarship Database
Provides a list of scholarships, fellowships and grants for LGBTQ+ and allied students at the undergraduate and graduate-level.
hrc.org/resources/scholarships
campus@hrc.org
(800) 777-4723
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for queer people and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Showcases queer business importance and certifies LGBTQ-owned businesses. Has a list of LGBTQ+ Business associations, which often have local LGBTQ+ business directories useful for supporting the community, finding mentorships and networking for job leads.
JobCorps
For those between the ages of 16 and 24 who qualify as low-income, the U.S. Department of Labor’s LGBTQ+ inclusive JobCorps program can help you earn a high school diploma and college credits while learning career skills in one of 10 high-growth industries. They also offer tuition-free housing, meals, basic health care, a living allowance and career transition assistance.
(800) 733-5627
U.S. Department of Education Dependency Overrides
Information for those who need help on how to override parental/guardian financial information on your FASFA in order to qualify for financial aid.
finaid.org/educators/pj/dependencyoverrides
HOUSING
Covenant House
Provides welcoming, affirming, and safe housing, food, education, counseling, and more for youth
facing homelessness in many cities.
School House Connection
Provides resources for temporary housing, scholarships, and support in school rights, free school transportation, free school meals, help enrolling without guardian documents, FASFA/Tax document advice, child care, and other needs for homeless or transitionally/temporarily housed youth.
schoolhouseconnection.org/youth-resources
(202) 364-7392
True Colors United
Address LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth homelessness by through advocacy. Provides tool kits on youth
collaboration, inclusion, racial equality, and advocacy.
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
A list of local agencies that provide food, housing, health, and safety services and hotlines, including HIV/AIDS housing and services, domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, and mental health.
hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance
(800) 569-4287
LEGAL
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Tracks anti-LGBTQ bills and provides resources to take action. Has a report and help form for discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.
www.aclu.org/issues/lgbtq-rights
www.aclu.org/affiliates (Find your local affiliate)
(212) 549-2500
helplgbtq@aclu.org
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
Provides free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals for US, including help for school harassment, healthcare, criminal justice, HIV rights and more. Can search online resources by issues or state. Also has transgender ID project with free resources and support for transgender people in New England to change their name and gender marker on documents. Intake form on website.
(800) 455-GLAD
Lambda Legal
Represents LGBTQ+ and HIV+ people in court, educates on changing laws, and provides a virtual help desk to help you understand your rights and provide general legal information and resources.
(212) 809-8585
National center for lesbian rights (NCLR)
Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and has a legal helpline, legal aid forum, and connection to legal services for low-income LGBTQ+ clients in areas of family, education, employment, health, immigration, faith, domestic violence, foster care, criminal justice, sports, housing, and more.
NCLR Legal Help Line (800) 528-6257
Transgender Law Center
Advocates for law and policy changes. Provides a helpdesk about US laws and policies affecting transgender people in employment, health care, housing, immigration, identity document changes,
and more.
(510) 587-9696
ADVOCACY, EMPOWERMENT AND INFORMATION
Equality Federation
Works on critical issues such as workplace fairness, family recognition, and defeating anti-trans bills and HIV criminalization laws. Has leadership development programs, news and search by topic or state database of anti-queer bills with status and information. Links to local equality centers provide more information and opportunities such as leadership training, voter endorsements and support, resource centers and mentorship.
Free2Luv
A nonprofit dedicated to empowering, uplifting, and saving youth through the arts. Helps support mental health, stand up against bulling, raise awareness, mentor youth advocates, provides platforms for story-sharing, sends empowerment packages to youth in crisis, provides safe spaces, uplifting music, and tools for creative self-expression, has many online programs. Free online creative expression journal and activity book.
The GenderCool Project
A youth-led championship for positive change by sharing positive experiences of thriving transgender and non-binary youth with people who have never met someone who is transgender or non-binary. Offers one-on-one support on inclusive school policy, affirming healthcare partners, positive parent-to-parent communication, and more. Also works in DEI/HR consulting, media casting, and presentations.
GLAAD
Advocates for LGBTQ+ acceptance. Helps ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation in the media. It has local and national programs, including social media safety, media accountability, the Global Voices initiative, the Black Queer Creative Summit, and more, including gaming and HIV resources. They also run Spirit Day!
Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
Ensures queer health equity through advocacy, education and research.
HRC Survival Guide for Independent LGBTQ+ Youth
A guide for queer youth facing homelessness or independent living.
truecolorsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/HRC-OnOurOwn-LGBTQYouth.pdf
InterACT Advocates for Intersex Youth
Works towards policies to give intersex people their own choices about their bodies/ Youth program for ages 13-29. Works to bring authentic and respectful intersex voices into U.S. news and pop culture. Includes resource topics, brochures, guides, policies list supporting intersex youth and lists of intersex support and advocacy groups in the world.
(707) 793-1190
National LGBTQ Taskforce
Advocates for voting rights, federal legislation, policy formation, immigration, healthcare, reproductive justice, criminal and economic justice, disability justice, and ensures marginalized communities are counted in the US Census. Also works in affirming faith, runs Trans seminaries, runs leadership programs and has a network of over 400 advocacy organizations.
Trans Youth Family Allies
Works with allies, educators, service providers and communities for supportive environments where all children are respected and celebrated. Works in education, healthcare, courts and legal systems, welfare agencies, and helps trans youth and their families find services and support.
We R Native
For Native Youth by Native Youth, Two Spirit education and resources, health tips, contests and more.
wernative.org/my-relationships/sexual-health/lgbt-two-spirit
HISTORY AND CULTURE
Making Gay History Podcast
Brings LGBTQ+ history to life by sharing stories of heroes, witnesses and champions during times of American history.
National Aids Memorial Quilt
A memorial quilt with over 50,000 panels and over 110,000 names which celebrates and remembers the lives of those lost to AIDS.
The OUTWORDS Archive
Collects, archives and shares the wisdom and experience of our queer elders.
The Shower of Stoles Project
A collection of over a thousand queer liturgical stoles and sacred items from over thirty-two denomoinations and faiths.
exhibits.lgbtran.org/exhibits/show/shower-of-stoles/home
SPORTS
Athlete Ally
Educates athletic communities at all levels for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. Search institutions or conferences for LGBTQ+ policies and practices.
(646) 389-0225
TransAthlete.com
A resources for students, athletes, coaches, and administrators to find information on trans inclusion in all levels of play. Information is organized by divisions and locations, includes policies for schools and divisions, a consulting service, organization information, tips for trans allies, documents and research, and even includes transgender history in the Olympics!
FAITH
Institute for Welcoming Resources
Resources for the intersection of queer identities and faith. Includes multi-faith database of
welcoming spiritual centers and the history of the LGBTQ+ faith movement.
CONNECTION
Bisexual Resource Center
A bisexuality resource and information website with a Bi+ group locator.
COLAGE
Community connection for youth with LGBTQ+ parents to meet and share similiar experiences. There are affinity groups for those with Trans parents, adopted COLAGErs, COLAGErs of color, COLAGErs Born Through Assisted Reproduction, second generation COLAGErs and COLAGErs with disabilities. Bi-monthy talks, family retreats, Zoom workshops and Discords on dating, books, college prep and more!
info@colage.org
It Gets Better Project
Aims to uplift, empower and connect queer youth. Provides education resources, a storytelling platform, mental health tools, minority community resources, an ambassador program, and more.
Centerlink – The Community of LGBTQ Centers
An organization serving local and regional LGBTQ+ centers. Look up your closest LGBTQ+
center through their directory.
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Provides in-person and virtual peer support, intersectional community connection, workshops, story sharing, faith-based support, and more.
(202) 467-8180
Q Chat Space
Facilitated chat groups for queer teens
ages 13 to 19.
Have a suggestion to add?
Email us: QueerCheer@QueerCheerBook.com
Contact Us
We are available for school visits, workshops, interviews, panels and more!
Inquire at QueerCheer@QueerCheerBook.com
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on events, news and resources.
Eric
Eric@QueerCheerBook.com
socialS
Jodie
Jodie@QueerCheerBook.com
socialS