Telling the Whole Story: Reflections from Nico Lang’s American Teenager Book Tour - Grand Junction, Colorado

April 9th 2026  Written by Ezra Bell  

Last night, our community gathered in Grand Junction for a powerful and timely event featuring Nico Lang on their 2026 book tour. Hosted by the American Lutheran Church in partnership with Loving Beyond Understanding, the evening brought together readers, advocates, and neighbors for a shared conversation about storytelling, visibility, and what it means to be human in today’s climate.

We are deeply grateful to both organizations for creating a space where honest dialogue could happen—especially in a time when those conversations can feel increasingly difficult to hold.

During the event, Nico read a passage from their work and engaged in a thoughtful discussion with a local pastor and the audience. One moment, in particular, stayed with many of us:

When asked, “Do you think you could write this book today under the current administration?”Nico began their answer simply: “No.”

That response landed with weight.

It speaks to a growing tension many of us are feeling—especially those working in advocacy, storytelling, and community care:

Does shining a light on the painful parts of the transgender experience still create empathy? Or, in today’s environment, does it risk being misunderstood—or even used to cause harm?

At The Bridge Alliance Fund, this is something we’ve been grappling with as well.

There was a time when visibility felt more straightforward—when sharing difficult truths could open hearts and build understanding. Today, the landscape is more complicated. Stories can be taken out of context, reframed, or weaponized in ways that were less common before.

But what we were reminded of last night is this:

The answer isn’t to stop telling stories. It’s to tell them more completely.

In rural communities like ours, where access to LGBTQ+ perspectives can be limited, books and events like this are often the first point of connection. And what truly makes a difference are not one-dimensional narratives—but stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience. Because that’s what allows people to see—not an issue or a headline—but a person.

Community Matters: Honoring Our Local Partners

We also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible organizations that showed up for the resource fair and helped make this event more than just a conversation—but a point of connection: Big Thank You to American Lutheran Church and their wonderful volunteers!

• Harmony HRT

• Loving Beyond Understanding

• Mesa County Libraries

• CEC Counseling

• Good Samaritan Clinic

• Hilltop Fatherhood Program

• Identity Insights

• Lifespan Psychiatry

…and all of the volunteers, organizers, and community members who contributed their time, energy, and care to make this event possible.

Your presence matters. Your work matters.

Continuing the Conversation

If you’re interested in learning more about Nico Lang’s work, we encourage you to explore their writing and ongoing projects here:

👉 Patreon

👉 instagram

👉 Get Nico's Book

Events like this remind us that even in uncertain times, connection is still possible—and necessary.

We don’t move forward by telling fewer stories.We move forward by telling truer ones.

With gratitude,

Ezra Bell, Board Chair, President, CofounderThe Bridge Alliance Fund