Book Review (with Author) for LGBTQ+ Seniors

Join us for an evening of discussion with author Jaime Martin Ko Atilano!

All guests will be send a complimentary copy of Mala & the Mask of Gold upon RSVP. This event will be a discussion with the author, so please RSVP early to get a copy in advance.

The Zoom link will be emailed to you by an Out & About coordinator after you RSVP.

Mala & the Mask of Gold Description:

Deep down, Mala always knew they were different from the other children of Zambo. But it is not until they are visited by Sidapa, the Deity of Death, that they learn why.

Siblings Mala and Salem have more potential than meets the eye. As Mala finds themselves a part of an ancient prophecy, Salem must decide if he should follow his dream of becoming a defender of Zambo.

About the Author:

Jaime Martin Ko Atilano is a non-binary immigrant from the Philippines and a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. They were awarded the Lorde-O’Leary award for their work at the University of Maryland for tackling initiatives like implementing all-gender restrooms, advocating for inclusive healthcare practices for trans/non-binary students, and speaking at panels to educate students on LGBTQ+ terminology and issues.

After growing up without any characters (on screen or in books) that looked like them, Jaime decided to write the book Mala & the Mask of Gold to include characters that their younger self would have cherished. A Filipinx mythology-inspired debut novel about magical shamans, an ancient prophecy, and finding your inner lakas – power – that exists in you. It will be published with New Degree Press in December 2020.

Outside of activism and writing, you can find Jaime spending their time practicing their makeup and styling skills, planning their next travel adventure, or drinking iced caramel macchiatos at their nearest coffee shop. They live at home in Germantown, MD with their family but has plans for a new adventure – a journey into the windy city of Chicago, Illinois.