LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY CHILDREN’S BOOKS
“WAIT YOU’RE GAY!?!?…WAIT!!! WHAT ISSSS EVEN GAY?!” one of our kiddos blurted out, interrupting Katherine and I who were absent mindedly chatting away in the kitchen while I made dinner one night. I don’t even remember what we were talking about it didn’t matter. Clearly what jumped to the forefront of our attention was the fact that 3 queer parents could manage to raise children who didn’t know what being “Gay” was.
In a lot of ways I love that. I love that my kids see that humans loving each other has nothing do with their gender. I love that being trans is just someone being themselves. Nothing more interesting than that.
To them our family is typical.
And yet, I also want them to know that we are Queer! That we’ve got a little extra rainbow magic in us. Sometimes that is amazing. And sometimes that can put us in dangerous positions.
I want them to know how to talk about their family when they encounter people who don’t love and live with freedom like we do.
And so started our kids’ queer education.
It’s 2021, by now we all know representation matters.
There are so many amazing queer artists out there creating amazing art these days. They’ve made the work, now all we have to do is support and consume it.
Katherine is an english lit major and writer so clearly we started our journey with books.
Her obsession is your gain! Because have I got a list of winners for you!
Oh, you’ve got too many books already you say?
Might I suggest you start by clearing some space on your book shelf — perhaps you have some Dr. Seuss books that are ready to hit the recycling? ::AHEM::
Here’s a quick hit list of replacements for you!
Harriet Gets Carried Away
Looking for a book where the LGBTQ+ representation isn’t the focus, just a side note. Here’s a great story for free spirits of all sorts.
FROM THE STARS IN THE SKY TO THE FISH IN THE SEA
A magical gender variant child brings transformation and change to the world around them thanks to their mother's enduring love.
Red: A Crayon’s Story
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book. This story is all about figuring out who you are despite who everyone tells you you are supposed to be. It’s a great story for anyone, and shows us that we can all expand our thoughts past what we see.
PRINCE & KNIGHT
In this modern fairy tale, a noble prince and a brave knight come together to defeat a terrible monster and in the process find true love in a most unexpected place.
MOMMY, MAMA, and ME
This is one of the original gay board books. A classic rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together.
Go Check out some of these awesome book options for yourself, your classroom, your niblings, and siblings, and all the people you love!
You never know who they will become!
