The Stonewall National Monument could become an official Lego set, if one artist’s project succeeds. While it won’t make up for the shameful distortion of the monument’s history by the current U.S. government, it would be a joyful reminder of the heritage and importance of this LGBTQIA+ landmark.
CampOUT at the Farm School, a week-long summer camp for LGBTQ youth and youth from LGBTQ families, is back in Central Massachusetts after a break of 10 years. Registration is now open and “camperships” are available to help with financial need.
LGBTQ+ kids, those with LGBTQ+ parents, and allies, in grades K through 5, are invited to a free, virtual program tomorrow to “meet new friends, discover LGBTQ+ books, enjoy activities and special guests, and discuss gender and identity issues in a safe space.” The monthly program, hosted by a library in Pennsylvania, is open to children anywhere!
LGBTQ-inclusive story books are wonderful—but sometimes one wants something a little more interactive. Let’s therefore look today at two queer-inclusive books that aren’t just stories, but offer young readers discussion questions, games, coloring, and more fun activities.
Mattel’s powerhouse American Doll brand recently announced its 2021 “Girl of the Year” doll: 10-year-old Kira, who loves animals. In further backstory from an associated book and video, we discover that Kira is spending the summer at the wildlife sanctuary run by her two Australian aunts, a married same-sex couple. Such representation is much needed, though some vocal homophobes are giving the book one-star reviews.
Welcoming Schools, a project of the HRC Foundation, is now offering “Welcoming Schools Wednesdays”—a book and lesson plan for parents to use at home, based on the themes of “embracing all families, being an ally and respecting differences inclusive of LGBTQ identities.”
Family Equality has launched The Neighborhood: A Virtual Hub for LGBTQ+ Families to support all of us during these strange days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s full of activities for kids of all ages, parents, and prospective parents!
There are many kids’ activity lists going around right now as we all stay home to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)—but here’s one especially for LGBTQ families and friends, with queer-inclusive virtual storytimes, coloring pages, games, videos, and more.
Many of us will be home with our kids for a while as our world tries to contain the Coronavirus. I thought this would be a good time to recap some of the recent queer and queer-ish kids’ books I’ve reviewed, to help keep kids entertained as we cope with this shift in our lives.
Toy giant Mattel has just launched a new line of dolls without pre-assigned genders. Each doll comes with long and short hairstyle options and a variety of wardrobe pieces including pants, skirts, and more, so kids can make them fit whatever gender identity and expression they wish.
