Brian McNaught, called “the godfather of gay diversity and sensitivity training” by the New York Times, has written a children’s book explaining “What’s gay?” in a simple, engaging rhyme—and he’s kindly making it available here free to Mombian readers.
“What’s ‘Gay’?” asked Mae, with illustrations by Dave Woodford, takes the titular character and her cousin Ray on a journey with a variety of anthropomorphic woodland creatures who explain that “gay” is “a way to love.” Ray reflects on his gay uncles, who are going to marry. The animals also inform the children that people are born that way, and that, while a boy will most often love a girl, sometimes boys love boys, girls love girls, and some people love boys and girls. More an extended poem than a plotted story, it also smartly advises, “It’s best not to ask if someone is gay. Just let them tell you in their own time and way.”
I have long supported the idea of more LGBTQ children’s books that simply show people who happen to be LGBTQ, where being LGBTQ isn’t the focus of the story, as I explained in a longer piece on queer-inclusive children’s books earlier this year—but as I also said then, children (and the adults who guide them) can still benefit from some books that do directly address LGBTQ topics. McNaught’s book is definitely in the latter camp.
This feels appropriate given his long experience thoughtfully helping explain LGBTQ people and our challenges to audiences and readers across North America, Europe, and Asia. Through presentations to corporate and university audiences, seven books for adults, DVDs, radio and television shows, a syndicated column, and more, McNaught has since 1974 acted as an advocate for the LGBTQ community and a translator and guide between it and the wider world.
With “What’s ‘gay’?” Asked Mae, he brings his skills to bear in offering parents, teachers, and others simple, age-appropriate words to explain to young children what the word “gay” means and to see being gay as part of the range of natural, normal human experience.
Download a free PDF of the book here or buy one nicely bound, so you can see the facing-page spreads better, here.
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