May 28, 2026
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Celebrate Pride Month with events, activities, and reading recommendations from the New Orleans Public Library.
Teen Voices: Elix on Feeling Welcome
Kaylee Perry
Elix is a 7th grader at Homer Plessy Middle School who loves art, reading, and checking out books from the Library. At just 12 years old, Elix spoke on a panel hosted by the Library and Young Activists Speak Out (YASO) about the lives of queer teens in New Orleans. For Elix, the Library is a place where they can be themselves while meeting and connecting with other young people who have similar interests and experiences.
Elix recently sat down with Kaylee, the Library’s teen intern, to talk about the YASO panel and how inclusive programming has made them feel seen, welcomed, and wanted in the Library.
Check out what they said below:
Q: What do you think of the Library?
A: I think the Library is a really cool place, it’s really fun and I love how many interactive things there are for the kids. It’s more than just a library for books, there’s a lot of other things there too.
Q: What types of books do you like to read?
A:I really like to read fantasy and teen graphic novels are usually my favorite. I’m actually on a fantasy book series right now, which I’m really excited about. It’s called “Warrior Cats,” and it’s about like a bunch of cats in the wilderness.
Q: Could you talk more about your experience on the YASO panel?
A: I had a really good time. It was really fun talking about my experiences, but it was a little scary because obviously I was the youngest one there and I was kind. It was my first time being on a panel like that. And it inspired me to do some more work like that. And I’m really excited to do more work with TQY (Trans Queer Youth) because they’re really cool. But, to be completely transparent, I was really nervous about it. It’s really scary. But I’m so happy that I did it.
Q: Have your feelings changed about the Library since being on the panel?
A: Yes, definitely. I’d never been to that Library [location] before, but after going there and meeting all the people who were there and like actually taking the time to appreciate it. I really like it. I think it’s a super cool place, and I met a lot of new people, who I’ve been in touch with since the panel.
It was really nice to be around people like me, and to see people welcome in this place who have similar experiences and identities to my own. It definitely made me feel like, ‘OK, this is a place where I am welcome and wanted.’
If you or someone you know wants to get involved with the Library like Elix, visit teens.nolalibrary.org to explore volunteer options, events, and more. This story is part of the Library’s Teen Voices series. If you’d like to participate and tell your story, email impact@nolalibrary.org.
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