For the last three years, journalist Nico Lang traveled the country interviewing families with trans and nonbinary teenagers. They spent day in and day out with these families for two weeks to better understand how they find joy and belonging while coping with nationwide anti-trans rhetoric and legislation.

Lang’s book "American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era” tells that story. They recently won a Stonewall Book Award for their work representing the LGBTQ+ experience.

When Lang stopped in Louisville last month for their book tour, they sat down with LPM’s Giselle Rhoden to discuss what they learned throughout their writing journey.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

How did American Teenager come together?

Nico Lang:

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