I can think of no better way to mark July 4th than by watching a new film about the author of “America the Beautiful,” Katharine Lee Bates, an educator and social reformer who saw both our country’s beauty and its flaws—and whose loving partner of 25 years was another woman.
Pride Month is nearing its end, and July 4 is approaching, so my thoughts are turning to all that has made our country great–including queer people. These new books for kids offer insights into LGBTQ history and famous LGBTQ Americans who have made their marks in dance, sports, fashion, activism, music, and literature.
Happy Father’s Day or Fathers’ Day to all the queer dads, father figures, and anyone else who claims this day as their own. Celebrate with these picture books from 2026, five of which feature queer dads and one that doesn’t, exactly, but may still have a strong appeal for some queer dad families.
This week’s new LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade novels include one where the cover and publisher’s blurb make it obvious that there’s queer inclusion, and two where they don’t. That’s why I’m here—because these are all books you won’t want to miss.
The new single “Pronoun Party,” from Miss Tutti and The Fruity Band, is a fun, lighthearted kids’ song that’s perfect for Pride or any time of year. Listen here (and learn about some other pronoun-themed kids’ songs, too)!
Three new middle grade books (including two graphic novels) feature queer protagonists and crushes while giving us thoughtful and compelling stories of families and friendships. Share them for Pride or any time of year!
Three new memoirs each offer different looks at queer parenthood, giving us nuanced explorations of selves, society, family, and what we pass on to the next generation. Add them to your summer reading list.
I had the pleasure of speaking recently with the AllPaths podcast about how my now-spouse and I started our family via reciprocal IVF in the early aughts, why I founded Mombian shortly afterwards and how it’s grown, the state of LGBTQ+ family building today, LGBTQ Families Day, and more. I hope you’ll have a listen!
These affirming new picture books celebrate children of many gender identities and expressions. Please read my reviews, then contact your senators and ask them to vote “No” on H.R.2616, which just passed the U.S. House and would ban these books and others from schools across the country.
In two new picture books, acclaimed authors bring us stories of a child with a same-gender crush speaking up at school to address exclusion, and of one with two moms who rallies her community in the face of bias.
