Kosoko Jackson, a Maryland native, is the author of A Place For Wolves, a diverse historical thriller Young Adult Novel, coming out Summer 2019 by Sourcebooks Fire, that advocates for an increase in diverse authors and characters within the YA literary canon. Kosoko will continue championing literary diversity by using the Rising Stars Grant to create a mentorship program for queer authors, who can learn from a published queer author about craft, brand management, and the world of publishing for two months, culminating in a pitch event to literary agents & sponsored attendance at a literary convention.

GLAAD’s Rising Stars program empowers and invests in the next generation of LGBTQ change makers, whose advocacy is changing their local communities and the culture at large. Grants are awarded annually to LGBTQ youth and support initiatives that champion intersectional LGBTQ issues, including racial justice, immigration rights, transgender equality, and more. Please join us in congratulating CPD’s own Kosoko Jackson!