Zak Kostopoulos

This Human Library portrait is made in honor and memory of Zak Kostopoulos. On September 21st, 2018 his life was abruptly ended on the streets of Athens. A life dedicated to fighting and challenging stigma and eradicating prejudices around being HIV-positive and Gay in Greece. Zak Kostopoulos was brutally murdered by two men and eight police officers. We believe because of his sexual identity.

Since 2012, Zak Kostopolous has been one of the amazing books volunteering for the Human Library Greece in Athens, specifically challenging stigma about being HIV-positive and the life of a LGBTQ+ individual. In our experience Zak was a wonderful human being. Apart from volunteering as a book at the Human Library, Zak often performed and appeared as the drag queen Zackie Oh, and was a known LGBTIQ+ activist that fought for human rights. He was devoted to creating a more understanding and loving world for everyone. Zak spent a great deal of time bringing his messages to people around the world through his personal social media outlets.

We are sad, angry, and in great shock to learn of Zak’s brutal murder. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Zak’s family, friends, and all who were inspired by him throughout the world and who now lost a source.

According to PinkNews, Zak’s funeral was attended by his closest family, friends, locals and members of the LGBTIQ+ community, who all made sure his burial was celebrated the way he lived and his important role in queer advocacy. Instead of throwing dirt on the coffin, mourners threw pink, blue and purple glitter and tiny gay flags everywhere, and some drag queens threw their wigs in the grave too.

Kostopoulos often performed as drag queen Zackie Oh and appeared in a Vice Greece video exhibiting his routine, as well as starring in short film about living as an HIV-positive man and another about LGBT+ life in Athens

“Having HIV does not make you anything more or anything less than just human. As humans we deserve love and respect, and the best way to fight stigma is to live in the light and lead people to that light as well.” https://www.facebook.com/RiseUpToHIV/videos/1166664666727673/

Join the work to help bring about justice for Zak: https://www.facebook.com/justice4ZakZackie/?__tn__=kHH-R

Today there is a demonstration in Brussels to demand justice for Zak. We support this call and urge the Greek authorities to take every step possible to resolve this tragic end to a very well respected and much loved human rights hero.

Video in Greek with interviews and images from performances from Zak.

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Book of the Month: August

Each of our human books, help challenge stereotypes and stigmatization, by sharing their personal story and enter dialogue, with the curious readers. Their effort helps promote understanding and diversity – all over the world!

With Book of the Month, we highlight these amazing individuals, by giving you an exclusive portrait of one of our bestsellers. The Book of the Month for August is one of our newer publications, but her brave story has already inspired and touched readers. Meet Yuzhakova Anna Mikhailovna, a 28-year-old living in Vologda city, Russia. She has been with the Human Library for 4 month and been published at 2 events. She is published with the title “Domestically Abused” and shares her story with readers, hoping to help others experiencing something similar.

Yuzhakova explains that the most common questions she gets from her readers are “why didn’t you leave your husband?”, “How to recognize abuse?” and “Can you still trust men?”. She recons that broadening the readers understanding, was the main reason for her involvement as a human book:

“Sharing my story is very important to me, as perhaps it may help someone to change his or her attitude towards abuse. The awareness of the issue is the key weapon here – which, unfortunately, I did not happen to possess for a long time.”

Furthermore, she explains that the meeting between readers and books, creates a unique space where inspiring dialogue is at the forefront. Being part of this, and the readers openness, are central incentives for her still being a part of the Human Library:

“As I said, sharing my story is important to me, and I also enjoy engaged dialogues in the kind and cheerful atmosphere that reigns in The Human Library.”

Openness & Curiosity

She points to the willingness to engage in open dialogue in a safe space, as the most valuable aspect of the Human Library. A dialogue that in its nature, can be an inspiration – for both the books and the readers – and create a greater understanding of other people, but even more so, of yourself. Yuzhakova says that the greatest feedback she can get from readers, is knowing that her story has changed their outlook on their own lives:

“When a feedback came from a Reader telling that my story became an eye-opener to her/his problem.”

Openness is essential for both the readers and the books, to create the best possible dialogue – especially when it comes to challenging the stereotypes we all, consciously or unconsciously, have:

“Opening your mind and extending the frontiers of stereotypes in your head – often the ones you don’t even have the slightest idea about – is essential, I think.”

As a final advice for readers – all over the world – Yuzhakova has a simple, but strong, advice:

“Raise more attentiveness and curiosity in yourselves.”

To know more about abuse, Yuzhakova recommends reading, Lundy Bancroft “Why does he do that?”, and Tanja Tank “Be afraid, I’m with you”. And make sure to stay aware of Human Library events in your local area, so you get the chance to meet inspiring and authentic stories that will give you a more reflective view of yourself.

To meet Yuzhakova (and many other inspiring human books), keep an eye on our Russian Human Library – through facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanlibrarysicily/ – or follow us on Facebook, to get notified about events all over the world!

Our amazing human books can’t wait the be read by you!

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Book of the Month: July

We all have a story to tell. All over the world our amazing and brave books help challenge stereotypes and prejudice, by sharing their personal stories. We want to celebrate these incredible individuals and with our Book of the Month series we bring the spotlight on them. You as a reader gain an exclusive insight into one of our books, and get to know their story and work with the Human Library.

The Book of the Month for July is 61 year old, Steven Lawlor-Jones, from Windham, New Hampshire. Besides being a book at the Human Library, Steven works as an actor, model, artist and LGBT+ activist. His engagement in LGBT+ issues, is also a theme for his role as a book at the Human Library – were he is published with the title “15 minutes with Kurt’s Husband”. He has been a part of the Human Library since 2014, and have been published at Goffstown Public Library, University of New Hampshire, Manchester, once for Southern New Hampshire University, and once for Merrimack public library.

His title is a funny take on bringing focus on LGBT+ issues, by letting the readers gain insight into his own marriage – and pointing out, that his lifestyle is not different from most peoples:

“I became a book to educate people on the struggles of the LGBT community and to show them that our marriage is as boring and mundane as theirs. That we have the same issues of work, household chores, cars and daily bills.”

Just as life is in constant change, so is Stevens story as a living book. New chapters are added and although the same theme – LGBT+ rights and his life – is ongoing, his focus has changed when talking with his readers:

“My title stayed the same, while the focus of my chapters changed to encourage optimism, which is so badly needed in our current climate. Along my journey, i learned that i could do what i dreamed of as a child, which was to be a film actor and model. At the age of 54 i dove headlong into my dreams and i have been busy ever since. I am now a nominated and award winning actor, i am in magazine and photos that have been seen worldwide, all while i work a fulltime job in a warehouse for Life is Good.”

Believing in yourself

His engagement as a Human Book, has helped Steven become more self aware and believe that his goals and dreams are within his reach. He wants to share this with his readers and want them to know, that no matter who you are – you are valuable and you are capable of reaching your aspirations in life:

“Being a book has helped me believe in myself and gave me the ability to share that confidence and support, so that readers can go for their goals and dreams.”

Steven explains that the two most important aspects of being part of the Human Library is the readers, and the other human books. He sees himself as blessed for having meet so many brave and inspiring human books, at every Human Library event. But especially the dialogue with the readers is a huge motivation for Steven:

“The readers have been a light on my path, they are curious, questioning and thirsty for knowledge.”

With his experience in activism, art, theater and as a human book, Steven knows what it means to fight for what you believe in – and for your dreams! And he has but a single advice to readers, all over the world:

“My best advice to my readers is, believe in you and others will also. “

Make sure to look out for Steven – and his inspirational take on life – in the media and online. And make sure to follow our facebook page, to get information on upcoming events in your local area – this way you can get to meet our fascinating and brave human books, and help challenge stereotypes and stigmatization, through their authentic and meaningful stories.

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Book of the Month: June

With their personal and authentic stories, our human books help challenge stereotypes, stigma and prejudice – all over the world! To highlight these amazing individuals, each month we bring a portrait of one of our bestsellers. With the help from our outstanding book depot managers and librarians from all over the globe, we can give you insight into one of our books story, message, and thoughts.

The book of the Month for June is 58-year-old, Ingrid van Hamont, a native of Tilburg, the Netherlands. She has been a human book for 4 years and is a part of the incredible collection, at the Human Library Tilburg. She has been published approximately 40 times – and have held lectures for larger audiences twice. Being published with the titles AEC Syndrome and Bald Lady, Ingrid recons that a lot of readers have similar immediate questions: what is AEC syndrome? Why are you bald? Did you get bullied a lot? How did you cope? And especially people’s perception of her fragility is something Ingrid meets a lot:

“As a result of my condition, my baldness, I look like I’m more vulnerable than I am. Others think I am bald as a result of chemotherapy. The effect is that they sometimes avoid me or want to protect me.”

Ingrid describes that this behavior – based on prejudice or misunderstandings – was the main reason for her joining the Human Library.

“People with prejudices do not only injure another person, but also themselves. I want to make people aware of the fact that they have prejudices and what effect they can have, on that other person, but also on themselves, and for me personally. I wanted to show people my strength. What is more, I wanted to show them that my baldness is in fact my strength. However, I don’t feel the need to prove myself anymore.”

Besides helping challenge prejudice, Ingrid has gained more self-confidence, and through the Human Library, se feels heard. Each reading gives her energy and she thoroughly enjoys meeting the readers:

“Every conversation is interesting because it is different every time. Because readers often share their own stories, see points of contact, and have questions. It is wonderful to be able to help others move forward in such an open-minded and relaxed atmosphere.”

“It is important to be part of HL because it connects people.”

Ingrid points out, that the most valuable part of the Human Library, is the open-minded atmosphere which allows peoples genuine interest in another person, and personal stories, to blossom. She states that the effect of the readings, often is that the readers go home filled with different insights – and furthermore, the books leave with a greater self-appreciation and self-confidence, as a result of others genuine interest in them.
Besides the contact with the readers, Ingrid’s most valuable experience with the Human Library, was when she was used for PR:

“That my picture was used in PR for the 2018 edition was a very special moment for me, a milestone. For a large part of my life, I hardly dared to let myself be seen or heard. My photo, large as life on a poster was a very visible result of what I have achieved in terms of personal growth.”

Ingrid has a very clear message to readers all over the world: don’t try to deny having prejudice, acknowledge them, and keep an open mind. She states that it is important, to not think of prejudice as a negative:

“Having prejudices is human. We fill in the blanks based on experiences that we go through in our lives and based on stories that we hear. That is not a problem in itself; it provides people with certainty, predictability. However, it is crucial that we are aware that we are filling in blanks, aware of the fact that we are creating our own version of the truth, that need not at all coincide with a different person’s reality. A human being is more than just the label that he or she has been given.”

If you want to know more about Ingrid – or AEC Syndrome – you can visit her website: www.individunica.nl (in Dutch) or https://www.orpha.net (look for AEC syndrome or Ectodermal Dysplasia). Even better, make sure to stay updated through our facebook where you can get information on upcoming Human Library events – this way you can get to experience Ingrid and all of our incredible titles, all over the world!

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Book of the Month: May

With our monthly portraits – Book of the Month series – we want to highlight the courageous books that we publish all over the world and allow you to gain some insight into their experiences. The book of the month for May is nothing short of a Human Library classic. One of very few books to be published in different countries and also a rare edition to offer readers insight into three different stigmatized issues!

Batoul, a 33 year old Kuwait-born, is part of the Human Library Book Depot in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has been a book for 10 years. She has been published in Denmark and the United Kingdom, and has participated in events ranging from public libraries, schools and colleges, festivals and at corporate events with our Diversity Partners. This spring Batoul was published in Season 2 of the Human Library TV-Show on TV2-Lorry.

Currently the primary topic that readers are inviting Batoul out on loan to talk about is her experiences as a Victim of Stalking, but she also gets many questions about her background as a Muslim.

“… the most common questions from readers include “but don’t you know the man who stalked you?” or ”he is an ex-boyfriend right?” or “What kind of help could you get?””

And as a seasoned and experience book, she helps readers gain insight into the reality of being a victim of stalking – and how it affects your life. She makes a point to her readers, that stalkers are not always a person you know – and in this case, Batoul offers a take on what it’s like to have a complete stranger obsessed with you. This understanding is a very central part of her motivation to continue to be a book, as she explains:
“I believe that people are very much alike and if given an opportunity despite of prejudice to get to know one another, we actually do just that. Being a book gives me that opportunity.”

The unity between the readers & the books

Beyond helping in advancing understanding and tolerance in the community, there is a clear personal gain built-in to being published from the Human Library:

“The unity of both books and readers, of human. The 30 minutes of real life actual people sharing confidentiality and trust, is a valuable part of why this is right. That meeting between people that is so natural yet around sensitive topics is amazing.”

It’s that authentic meeting – between real people who have honest questions and take part in real conversations – that is one the main reasons staying on for so long, as a book:
“It is such a rewarding part of my life. I always say that if the readers get just half of what I’m getting then I’m happy.”

With a decade of experiences and honest conversations, with a huge number of readers, it’s hard for her to pin-point a single great experience.

“I have tons of those. Each event is a new adventure. And among the books, we expand each other’s horizon, we read each other and we meet our readers in a common spirit and mission. I have personally gotten some of my boundaries pushed and I have gotten to understand myself a lot better through the Human Library. So to be able to do that while creating memories with amazing people around is a blessing to me.”

There are many ways to become part of the Human Library or to allow the Human Library to become part of you.

“Because in the end you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Spreading awareness is an important part of my title, but also in talking with others you learn bout yourself and you gain access to different aspects to view your situation from, I find that very interesting and helpful to me as well.”

One advice for readers, no matter where in the world they are joining the bookshelf from:

“Dont hold back, use this opportunity to ask freely, ask the questions you really want to know the answer to. We are here to share our answers with you.”

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VICE report from the Human Library

The international news site VICE visited the Human Library in Hyderabad, India. Through the VICE reporter, the viewer is invited to a taste of what it feels like being a reader at the Human Library. You also get a look behind the scenes, as the video presents some of our amazing books, from our book depot and you meet the driven volunteers behind the Human Library Hyderabad. More uniquely, the reporter is courageous to let himself be published as a book, and goes on to describe his experience – both as a reader and as a book.

“This is a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and hopefully answered by the books.”

As stated above, by the founder of the Human Library Hyderabad, Harshad Fad, our goal is always to have the difficult – and real – conversations, between the readers and the books. The Human Library Hyderabad has worked since its establishment a year ago and has already influenced more than 5000 readers! Furthermore, it has made an impact on its surrounding society, inspiring the formation of more Human Libraries and human books – and most recently, delivering content to Microsofts Confluence Conference in April 2018.

Watch the VICE video below, and be inspired by the driven and motivated people that are dedicated to building a safe space where you can challenge the stigma and stereotypes – through something as simple as open and honest conversations.

WATCH THE VICE VIDEO HERE

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Book of the Month: April

Our biggest pride is our diverse collection of amazing and authentic books – from all over the globe! To highlight these amazing individuals, who help build a greater understanding in their communities, we are publishing a book portrait each month. The monthly portraits are to offer an insight into the diversity of our books, their motivation for being on the bookshelf – and each Book of the Month should be read as representative of all of our outstanding books and their courageous contribution to their community and the Human Library.

Gay and Christian in Romania

April’s Book of the Month is 30 year old, Victor Ciobotaru from Romania. Victor joined our bookshelf 2 years ago and has been published with two different topics: Gay and Christian. Victor became a book shortly after coming out as a gay person.

In Victors experience there is a lot of prejudices about the LGBTQ+ community in Romania and all of which are based on old and negative stereotypes. This is doing great harm to the Romanian society, and this motivated him to join the Human Library in Bucharest.

“I believe that a positive evolution of mentality is possible only through authentic knowledge about people around us. I want to be part of the change in my country, so I accepted the challenge to become a book in Human Library.”

Readers focus

Over the last two years, Victor has been published around ten times and every event was different and had a very diverse set of readers, including public authorities, police officers, high school students, art consumers, human rights activists, moviegoers, and people from the corporate environment. The most common questions from readers have been about the process of coming out and his family’s reaction. But also, a huge amount of speculation about current lifestyle – as both a gay person and a Christian.

“Readers curiosity is manifested on how I managed to reconcile Christian spirituality with my sexual orientation. Of course, a lot of them want to know what it is like to be part of a same sex family in Romania, since there is no legal recognition yet for same sex couples.”

Victor acknowledge that mentalities are changing slowly, but there is still a lot of work to do – and affirms that “being an open book is a lifetime job”.

He points out, that for the books at the Human Library, it is also a very giving experience. recognizes that he has received as much knowledge and understanding, through the interaction and dialogue with his readers, as his readers do.

“It doesn`t matter which part of the Human Library you are, every time it is an amazing experience which implies reciprocal vulnerability that has the power to transforms us. I can say I am a richer person because I have shared my story with every fellow I have been interacting with and because in return I have also received their thoughts, questions and concerns.”

The most valuable aspect of the Human Library concept, is its ability to create a safe and frank context for different people to come together in an honest interaction.

A simple message

Victor has a simple message to readers all over the world, about understanding and diversity:

“The message I share is as simple as it can be. We are all different and the diversity makes life beautiful and worth living. Regardless of our sexual orientation, we are equals and human beings. Most of the traumas people next to us pass through would not exist if we could learn to be more tolerant and accepting. LGBT people are not abstract concepts but our friends, our relatives, colleagues or neighbors. The decision to be ourselves and to assume our identity, brings freedom and a chance to develop authentic relationships.”

To get a chance to take Victor for a read. Follow the Human Library Romania on FB via ART Fusion. To learn more about Victor, and his life as a gay Christian, go to his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/crestiniprolgbtromania and make sure to follow the Human Library Organization facebook page, to stay updated on upcoming events – where you can meet your own local bestsellers!

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Human Library TV Show Season 2 launched

The Human Library returns with a second season of our TV-series – produced in collaboration with the Danish public service broadcaster TV2 LORRY. The season consists of 6 new episodes – each featuring one of our bestsellers.

In the episodes the viewers or readers as we like to call them, are welcomed into the life and story of our book. The authentic concept was a huge hit, and the first season became the most streamed series produced by TV2 LORRY. Also airing on four other regional channels around the country. The new season will airing on six out of the eight regional public service broadcasters in Denmark, during the fall.

Follow the links below, to get a televised experience out of the ordinary! There could be smiles and tears, and we promise that the life-affirming stories, will leave you with more than your average Netflix-show!

In the first season viewers were invited to read six of our books, that represent the diversity in our collection. You can gain insight into the lives of a Body Modified, Bipolar, Roma, Autism, Disabled, and an Islamic Convert! Watch them here.

The premiere of the second season is this Friday – April 20th – and the series begins with Oskar, who is a Victim of Bullying. Each Friday the next six weeks will present a new topic. Follow all the shows and you will be introduced to the stories of a free church christian, a victim of stalking, a long-term unemployed, an anorectic and a victim of incest. It will – without a doubt – be a learning experience and an opportunity to challenge what you think you know about others! ENJOY!

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Future social workers are going to read humans

A new partnership between University College Copenhagen and the Human Library Organization means that all future social workers will be invited to join a Human Library event, as a part of their education.

Twice every year the new students at the Institute for Social Work will, as part of the intro process for the education, become readers of the Human Library. A meeting that will give the new students an early insight into the many shades of humanity, and that behind each title there is an individual life story and understanding.

“It is part of a bigger vision that is now being fulfilled and an ideal situation for all parties. The agreement ensures that our books are read by knowledge hungry students who will soon work with many of the topics we have on the bookshelf. So, I think we are hitting the nail on the head with this one. ”says Ronni Abergel, founder of the Human Library.

The partnership has become a reality after the Human Library’s first visit to Metropol in 2017, on the 80th anniversary of the Social Workers education. The experience was so positive for all parties that it now becomes a more formalized cooperation.

“The Human Library represents the entire wide palette of humanity. As a social worker, it is very important to be curious and open, and to be able to create a respectful meeting with all people. We have an education where we pride ourselves, on being very close to the praxis. It is the new students who will take part in he Human Library, so it will be clear from the start what kind of reality they will enter in their future profession. “Says Helle Walsted Samuelsen, Head of Education at the Institute for Social Work at the University College Copenhagen.

Students gets inspired by the books and their stories

The informal meeting that the method creates for both parties has already proved useful in several educational programs. Since 2016, the Human Library has partnered with SOPU Copenhagen, regarding the education of the future Social and Health Assistants. Helle Walsted also points out the academic benefits that the students receive through the meeting with the human books.

“The pre-understandings that everyone has, we must be particularly aware of and be able to put aside – and instead meet THE HUMAN. Our most important task is to be able to see the person and create the connection – every time! Therefore, human curiosity – besides knowledge and professionalism – is central to the profession of a social worker. This only takes place if you can see the crevices in an individual’s dominant story and see the human being behind.”

It is not only at the Human Library and at the institute that the cooperation brings excitement. Helle Walsted experienced that the students also expressed great joy by being able to enter into an open dialogue with the members of the Human Library’s diverse book collection.

“The students thought it was very inspiring! They have been very happy to get this insight and that someone was willing to share their personal experiences and background. They said that after the Human Library event it has become more clear to them what their future profession offers – a meeting with another person. At the Human Library, they get a unique opportunity to meet reality’s diversity. “

The partnership entails that the Human Library will be part of the introduction week, twice a year. At the events all the new students will be invited to borrow books from the Human Library’s diverse book collection.

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Nahian, a Bestseller from the Human Library Book Depot in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“Book of the Month” is our series of portraits, of our book collection – from all over the world! With these portraits, we get to bring focus on our amazing books, and show the diversity in our international collection.

March’s Book of the Month is 21-year-old Nahian Bushra, from the Human Library Dhaka, Bangladesh. Nahian has been published under two titles: Visually Impaired Person & A Beam of Hope in the Sea of Darkness. In July, she will have been with the Human Library Dhaka for a full year.

At her readings, the most common questions readers have for her is: “Can you tell us more about your struggle to reach where you are now?” and “Do you have any regrets about this kind of life?”. Through her meetings with the readers, she reckons that the most valuable parts of being a book at the Human Library is:

“… how it preaches compassion so beautifully in the society by bringing out a person for who he/she is; stripped of all labels and stereotypes.”

Her reasons for staying with us, is her experience of how her story has inspired readers. She explains that:
“I want to keep inspiring and keep teaching others to not judge a book by its cover.”

Her reasoning for becoming a book in the first place, was her understanding of how people judged others based on their general appearance and first impression. Despite not having the vision, she could sense this tendency in her surroundings, and proclaims that:

“When they look at me, all they probably see is a visually impaired girl, but they have no idea about my strength, they have no idea about how many hurdles I have overcome to be the person I am today. I wanted to be the beam of hope for the people who are losing to darkness and therefore, I chose to become a Human Book.”

For her, the best reaction from readers are when they acknowledge her struggles, but also when they explain:

“… how I have become an inspiration for them to never think of a disability as a weakness again.”

Acknowledgement and humanity is a crucial part of her involvement with the Human Library. She points out that as technology and digital presence is constantly increasing, we must remember our most human aspect – our ability to love and respect each other. Her message is clear:

“This is the time when we need to stop what we are doing and look at the people around us who we see on a regular basis but fail to understand. Dialogue is important to break the stereotypes and bring people closer to their humanity because that is what will make the society complete. Therefore, it is important to be a part of the Human Library.”

Nahian has just a single advice for all her readers: to live life to the fullest. Her message is that life is a roller coaster – and it is not meant to be smooth – but that life itself is the biggest gift ever. She underlines this, with some clear advice:

“If you are alive, you have all you need to get through the hurdles you face. Your disability can never be a weakness if you don’t allow it to be.”

Nahian keeps on leaving a positive impact on all her readers – and ends by encouraging everyone to follow the Human Library and attend one of our events. This way you can meet hopeful and inspiring individuals – like her – and get back in touch with your humanity, through understanding and human contact. Keep updated on Nahian – and her fellow amazing books from the Human Library Dhaka

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