Dr. Cheri A. Pies, whose 1985 book, Considering Parenthood: A Workbook for Lesbians, helped innumerable queer women become parents during the “gayby boom” of the 1980s, died from cancer on July 4 at the age of 73. If you don’t know her name yet, you should; in many ways, all of us queer parents who came after have benefited from her work, whether we know it or not.
The Mombian Database of LGBTQ Family Books now has more than 1300 items in it, up from 1200 this past March! It is, I believe, the largest, most current searchable database of LGBTQ books for ages 0 to 12, and also includes LGBTQ parenting books, kids’ music, and more.
The past two years have seen many great books about starting and raising families as an LGBTQ person, as well as books for all parents wanting to raise children with an understanding of LGBTQ identities. Each offers something different, though, so here’s my guide to help you find what’s right for you.
Jen Ellis, the Vermont teacher who created the mittens that Senator Bernie Sanders wore in his now-famous photo, has written a surprisingly moving memoir not only about how that happened, but also how it ties into her wider story of coming out, becoming a parent, the power of crafting, and the magic of generosity.
A stunning new book of more than 60 full-color photographs and accompanying interviews celebrates the lives of transgender and nonbinary people in their own words and those of their family members.
The Mombian Database of LGBTQ Family Books and More now has more than 1200 items in it—and counting! With LGBTQ-inclusive books under increased attack, I hope this database can play a part in connecting those who need such books with the many titles that now exist.
There’s something for little kids, middle graders, and grown-ups in three great new LGBTQ-inclusive books out today! Check them out—especially because the queer content in the kids’ books isn’t immediately obvious!
Two new memoirs offer differing looks at queer families. In one, the author reflects on the coming out not only of her and her two siblings (as lesbian, bi, and trans, respectively), but of their dad as gay. In another, the author shares her story of navigating infertility, miscarriage, breast cancer, separation, and adoption.
Today brings us a treasure trove of new LGBTQ-inclusive family books for kids and grown-ups, including a picture-book biography of Laverne Cox; a sequel to one of my favorite magical middle-grade series; a graphic novel with an autistic protagonist; an early chapter book sequel; a memoir by a gay foster dad of his own difficult childhood; and a stunning memoir by the mother of a transgender girl.
Michelle Tea’s new book isn’t the first queer parenting memoir, nor the first by a single queer person who decided to get pregnant, nor the first to look at infertility. Yet the humorous, revealing, sometimes raunchy tale of her path to parenthood at age 40 brings a unique perspective to the genre.
