Doreen (Doren) Cummings is a passionate author and visionary, the creative force behind a groundbreaking children's book series that amplifies the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a trans individual, Doren's personal journey deeply informs their work. A native of Greater Boston and a Wheaton College MA graduate, Doren's rich background in songwriting, musical arrangement, and storytelling uniquely fuels their ability to craft compelling narratives. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, Doren noticed a painful absence of children's books that reflected diverse gender identities. With a profound sense of purpose, they set out to fill that gap, creating characters and stories that LGBTQ+ youth can see themselves in. Doren shares, "Writing this book series is a dream come true. Books that explore gender identity would have had a powerful impact on me as a young person, and now I get to provide that for others." But Doren's mission goes beyond the written page. In partnership with organizations supporting transgender and LGBTQ+ youth, they use literature as a platform to foster understanding, empathy, and acceptance. Through their work, Doren strives to create a world where every child--regardless of gender or background--can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. With every page, they hope to inspire not only LGBTQ+ youth but all children to embrace diversity, compassion, and self-expression. Meet Hugoshi, a dynamic digital artist, illustrator, and animator from Madrid, Spain, whose creative journey spans over 17 years and is deeply intertwined with his unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. Known for his compassionate advocacy and inclusive approach, Hugoshi's artistry transcends boundaries, blending diverse mediums and evolving with every project. Throughout his career, Hugoshi has honed his skills in character design, color theory, and concept art, continually pushing the limits of his creativity. His versatility shines not only in traditional art forms but also in the emerging world of NFTs and crypto art, where he excels in generative art code, token creation, and project development. Hugoshi is committed to shaping the future of this groundbreaking field, merging his technical expertise with a visionary artistic approach. A certified professional in Spine Animation and Rigging, Hugoshi has built a global network of collaborators, contributing to projects that span continents and genres. His dedication to both artistic innovation and LGBTQ+ advocacy has established him as a key figure in the digital art world, inspiring others with his talent, passion, and inclusivity. Whether in the studio or the virtual space, Hugoshi is driven by a constant desire to learn, grow, and use his work to advocate for positive change.
