The first children’s book to depict an LGBTQ Pride celebration was published three decades ago, in 1991. Now, there are many titles that look at the feelings, symbols, and history of Pride, plus hundreds more that are simply LGBTQ inclusive. Let’s take a look!
The first children’s book that included LGBTQ Pride—or “Gay Pride,” as it was then known, was Gloria Goes to Gay Pride, by Lesléa Newman, best known as the author of another classic LGBTQ-inclusive book, Heather Has Two Mommies. Published in 1991, two years after Heather, by the new children’s imprint of LGBTQ press Alyson Publications, Gloria’s story begins by showing how she celebrates Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Hanukkah, and Mothers’ Day with her Mama Grace and Mama Rose. Gay Pride Day is special, though, she tells us, because she “gets to be in a parade.”
She and her moms make signs (hers reads “I love my mommies”) and they head to the parade, where they meet other families with children, the neighborhood mail carrier, and Gloria’s music teacher, among others. It was quite a statement to include a gay teacher back in 1991, when sensitivities about allowing gay people around children were even higher and the threat of firing even greater (not that things are much better in many places even now). Newman adds the teacher without fanfare or fuss, however, showing us the world as it should be.
Not all is perfect in the world she creates, though. Most of the spectators smile and cheer, but on one page, a few sit by a sign saying, “Gays go away.” When Gloria asks why, Mama Rose explains, “Some women love women, some men love men, and some women and men love each other. That’s why we march in the parade—so everyone can have a choice.” They move on to the park to dance, have lunch, and buy souvenirs and ice cream.
Despite being more than two decades old, the story holds up remarkably well, conveying the celebratory nature of Pride in the context of a loving family and supportive community (despite the few who are opposed). It reminds us that while children may be more prevalent in today’s Pride parades, they’re hardly a new phenomenon. The one thing that makes it feel a bit dated is the term “Gay Pride” rather than the more current “LGBTQ Pride.”
The black-and-white pencil sketches by Russell Crocker are charming but may feel dull compared to the full-color world of many children’s books today. The book is now out of print, but one can find used copies
There are happily many children’s books about Pride today—and you can find them by using the handy “Pride” tag in my Mombian Database of LGBTQ Family Books, Media, and More (or just click this link, which has the tag built in). You’ll see books specifically about Pride celebrations and/or the Stonewall Riots that led to them, plus ones about the rainbow flag and other Pride symbols. You can also filter with an age category if you only want to see picture books or middle grade books (and you can add the “Board book” tag if you only want board books). Use the “History” tag instead of the “Pride” tag if you want books on LGBTQ history more broadly.
There are also happily a growing number of other LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books, not just about Pride—my database now has over 700 items in total, including more than 400 picture books. While there are still many stories about our lives and identities that remain to be told, we can all take pride in the books there are so far!
