In a quiet corner of Reykjavík, tucked between bookshelves and beanbags in a cheerful school library, a quiet campaign of support began – with a postcard.
Laugarnesskóli, a rainbow-certified primary school in Iceland’s capital, launched an extraordinary initiative last year: a series of vibrant, digitally illustrated postcards sent daily throughout the month, each carrying heartfelt messages of love, support, and recognition for trans and nonbinary children. The project, both literary and activist in nature, was created by Vignir Ljósálfur Jónsson, a teacher and school librarian whose everyday work is rooted in care, joy and inclusion.
“First and foremost,” says Vignir, “the amazing nonbinary kids who come to my school’s library each day, they inspire me every day.”
A Postcard for Every Page
Each card is designed like a classic airmail letter, stamped with rainbow-colored seals, addressed to imaginary places from children’s books, and sent by Lestrarhestar (“Reading Horses”), the affectionate nickname for the school’s readers. But these aren’t just whimsical greetings. They are powerful declarations of respect.
“I’ve always loved sending postcards to friends,” Vignir explains. “But it’s getting harder to find stamps or post offices. So I decided to make digital ones, because I love creating things, and I wanted to design something joyful that could hopefully make a small difference in supporting nonbinary and trans students.”
Each recipient address was chosen from beloved children’s literature; Sjónarhóll, Kardimommubær, Bláa hnötturinn, blending literacy with imagination and safety with play. The result is a visual and emotional campaign that centers queer youth while also gently guiding the adults around them. One card reads: “Nonbinary and trans kids are just kids. They need love, acceptance, and encouragement -just like any other child.” Another: “Using the correct names and pronouns is a basic form of respect. It confirms who they are.”
“At first, the messages were written directly to the children,” Vignir recalls. “But since I was sending them via Facebook, and our students are under 13, I shifted the tone. The cards became messages to parents, staff, and the wider community. That way, I could reach a broader audience- and maybe open more hearts.”
A Mission Rooted in Certification and Care
The idea had been brewing for some time. Ever since Laugarnesskóli became a certified regnbogaskóli, a “rainbow school” recognized by the city of Reykjavík for its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, Vignir had been brainstorming ways for the library to actively reflect those values.
“Since we got the Rainbow Certification, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways the library could contribute to that mission,” he says. “It goes hand-in-hand with our school’s values: lífsgleði (joy for life), nám (learning), samvinna (cooperation), kærleikur (care), and ósk (hope). My dream is that when trans and nonbinary kids – really all kids – come into the library, they feel safe, happy and curious.”
Each postcard reflects that vision. They are celebratory, but also practical. Some cards direct readers to Icelandic support groups like Trans Vinir or Trans Ísland. Others explain the power of inclusive language, or urge adults to seek out LGBTQIA+ books for young readers.
“Books hold magic,” Vignir says simply. “Every time nonbinary and trans kids see themselves in books, it tells them that they matter.”
First and foremost the amazing nonbinary kids who come to my school’s library each day, they inspire me every day.
Community Response and Ripple Effects
The response to the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents of queer kids have reached out to thank him. Colleagues have helped with proofreading. Fellow librarians have followed along and some have even expressed interest in replicating the project in their own schools.
“Honestly, I’ve only received positive responses,” says Vignir. “People are grateful. I think the cards gave people a gentle way to learn, to connect and to care.”
The initiative also encourages adults to give themselves permission to grow, even if they feel unsure.
“It’s okay if you don’t understand everything right away,” reads one postcard. “What matters is that you show support, respect, and a willingness to learn.”
That’s part of the power of the format, it’s not didactic. It’s gentle and full of warmth.
“I wanted this to be accessible,” Vignir explains. “Anyone, especially teachers and school staff, can start small. Get more LGBTQ+ books in the library. Choose queer stories for read-alouds. Make the classroom feel like it belongs to everyone.”
From Reykjavík, With Love
When asked what he hopes a trans child and a nonbinary child might feel if they come across one of the postcards years from now, Vignir doesn’t hesitate.
“I hope they’ll take with them the message from the very first postcard: ‘Trans girls, trans boys, and nonbinary kids are awesome just the way they are!’”
It’s a message simple enough to fit on a postcard and powerful enough to change a life.
Honestly, I’ve only received positive responses. People are grateful. I think the cards gave people a gentle way to learn, to connect and to care.
How Schools Can Carry This Forward
For educators or administrators hoping to bring similar initiatives into their own schools, Vignir suggests starting with curiosity, creativity, and kindness.
“Apply for Rainbow Certification if your city or town offers it. But more importantly, listen to your students. Ask yourself how you can build joy, care, and justice into every corner of your classroom or library.
The more you read, the more you listen, the more you understand. That’s my experience.”
