There were so many great LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books and music albums this year that it was hard to choose a selection for this gift guide. Here are more than 60 that I feel stand out for their overall quality and/or the representation they offer.
Today marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a time to honor the lives of those who died because of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. I wish all of my transgender friends and readers love and support on this day of mourning. May those of us who are cisgender rededicate ourselves to safety, support, equality, and justice for transgender people.
November 18th marks three very queer events: the ruling that made Massachusetts the first U.S. state to have marriage equality; the repeal of the anti-LGBTQ Section 28 law in England and Wales; and (of less broad significance) the “Massaversary” of when my spouse and I legally wed after 13 years together.
For Transgender Awareness Week, here’s a recap of some of the best children’s books published this year that have transgender protagonists or significant trans characters. Add them to your bookshelf or library for any day of any week!
Calvin is a gentle first-person picture book about a transgender boy who transitions with the love and support of his family, teachers, and friends. Vanessa Ford, who co-authored the book with her husband JR, said in an interview that the book “shows the necessity of having a community around trans youth, that when one child transitions, others transition alongside that child, and that it takes a community to ensure that they are safe and protected.”
Halloween is almost here, a celebration of all things scary. That means, of course, that we should be celebrating queer parenting, too, which brings with it no end of scary moments. Here are some I have had, along with a few thoughts on facing our fears.
A new, free, research-based poster series for American Indian families and communities is aimed at helping parents, families, and caregivers to support LGBTQ and Two Spirit (LGBTQ2S) children and youth, reducing health risks and increasing well-being.
Today is Spirit Day, GLAAD’s annual event to speak out against anti-LGBTQ bullying and stand with LGBTQ youth. Watch trans queer dad Reese Rathjen Amyx reading his toddler a sweet anti-bullying board book with a message of kindness!
Happy International Pronouns Day! My pronouns are she/her. To celebrate the day, here are some kids’ books, music, and games all about pronouns and how to use them respectfully—good for any time of year!
October is LGBTQ History Month, and I could write, as I have in the past, about the long history of LGBTQ parents, arguably going back to Sappho (7th-6th century BCE) and Alexander the Great (4th century BCE). This year, I instead want to remind us that we and our families are part of this long history, and to encourage us to think about how we can preserve our own family histories and pass them on to our children.
