Since the year 1999, America has annually dedicated the month of June to the celebration of LGBTQ+ pride. Pride Month was first established in order to encourage wider acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, and to demonstrate national support for the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. However, over the years, Pride Month has evolved to become not only a time to advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance and support, but also a month to celebrate the incredible triumphs and achievements for the LGBTQ+ community; in other words, it has become a month for true pride. As America reached new milestones in LGBTQ+ acceptance, such as the legalization of gay marriage in 2015, LGBTQ+ pride only increased. While it is undeniable that much progress must still be made in the fight for full embracement of the LGBTQ+ community, it is also important to recognize how far we’ve already come! Pride Month is a time to march, to advocate, to dance, to sing, to celebrate all the beautiful contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, and to stand in support with our LGBTQ+ neighbors in their fight for equality.
That being said, Pride Month also creates a perfect avenue for LGBTQ+ education. Education is a vital stepping stone to acceptance. If individuals are educated about the importance of the fight for LGBTQ+ acceptance, then they are more likely to pursue it. This is especially true when it comes to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion among children. It can often be misconstrued that because children may be slower to fully understand the complexity of a mature concept, educating them about the importance of LGBTQ+ acceptance is an unrealistic initiative. However, this could not be further from the truth. LGBTQ+ inclusion is a very simple concept, rooted in the basic idea of love and acceptance. Promoting love and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community to the developing minds of children is a wonderful way to show support and love with the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. It also leads to the development of a generation that will hopefully be inspired to advocate for equality, which we can all celebrate in future Pride Months.
With all that in mind, one of the most powerful ways to educate children about LGBTQ+ acceptance is through books. Hence, I have supplied a list of children books that celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion and the fight for equality. In addition, in honor of Pride Month, I have included books written by LGBTQ+ authors; it’s always important to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and promote their artistry!
1. The Family Book by Todd Parr
In this adorable book, author Todd Parr celebrates all types of families; those with two moms, those with two dads, big families, messy families, etc.. This book beautifully destigmatizes less mainstream family dynamics, including families with two parents of the same gender!
2. I Am Jazz by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel (LGBTQ+ Author)
An autobiographical story of Jazz Jennings, an LGBTQ activist who wanted to share her struggle with having “a girl brain but a boy body.” Jazz Jennings shares her experiences of fighting to be accepted for who she truly is.
3. Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
In this inspiring story, author Rob Sanders traces the history of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 when activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker conceived it, to its rise as an international symbol of love, equality, and pride.
4. Peanut Goes for the Gold by Jonathan van Ness and Gillian Reid (LGBTQ+ Author)
In this picture book written by LGBTQ+ author Jonathan van Ness of "Queer Eye," Peanut is a gender nonbinary guinea pig with a love of rhythmic gymnastics. This book beautifully portrays how one's gender identity is only a single factor in who they are as a person!
5. Be Amazing by Desmond is Amazing and Dylan Glynn (LGBTQ+ Author)
This vibrant book written by a twelve-year-old drag queen explores the history of the LGBTQ+ community from the Stonewall Riot, to RuPaul’s Drag Race. The author encourages kids to be themselves and "pay the haters no mind."
6. Prince and Knight by Daniel Haack and Stevie Lewis
After a series of rejected princesses, the prince finds just what he’s looking for when he and a knight come together to save the kingdom! This adorable story puts a spin on the typical “prince and princess” narrative that will help kids realize that not everyone loves in the same way.
These are only a few examples of books to help educate children about LGBTQ+ acceptance, but if you would like to learn more I urge you to click here. Remember, LGBTQ+ inclusion is a concept that we should constantly promote with young kids, not just during Pride Month!
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