2023’s Best Books for LGBTQ Parents, Prospective Parents, and Parents of LGBTQ Kids
Kids aren’t the only ones to benefit from great LGBTQ-inclusive books this year. Here are some terrific reads for parents and prospective parents, too.
Supporting LGBTQ Children
4 New Kids’ Books Showcase Trans Heroes and Explain Gender Identity
What better way to celebrate Pride this year than with three new kids’ books about trans heroes—plus a new chapter book about gender identity!
A Trans Boy Tells His Own True Story in Middle-Grade Memoir
For Transgender Day of Visibility, I can think of no better book to highlight than this engaging middle-grade memoir by a young trans teen himself, telling his own childhood story. It feels like a vital, potentially lifesaving book at this moment in time.
Reading with Kyle Lukoff
When I discovered that Newbery Honoree and Stonewall Award winner Kyle Lukoff would be doing a reading at a nearby children’s library last Saturday, I immediately changed my plans and went to hear him. I wasn’t disappointed.
“We Have to Be Relentless”: Making Progress for LGBTQ Families in 2023
After a 2022 that brought a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation, reproductive rights setbacks, and other challenges for LGBTQ families, where should we focus our efforts to make progress in 2023? Several leading experts shared their thoughts with me.
“Exceptionally Challenging”: A 2022 Year in Review for LGBTQ Families
What were the major advances—and setbacks—for LGBTQ families in 2022? I asked several leading experts to share their thoughts, and all agreed there had been many obstacles—but also reasons for hope.
20 Books for Kids and Parents for Trans Awareness Week and Beyond
It’s Transgender Awareness Week, so I’m rounding up some of this year’s great books featuring trans people—picture and board books, middle grade titles, and books for parents!
“If You’re a Kid Like Gavin” Powerfully Tells Trans Activist’s Story
Gavin Grimm successfully fought his high school in federal court for the right to use the boy’s bathroom like the boy he is. To write a picture book about his experience, he teamed up with Kyle Lukoff, a two-time Stonewall Award winner, Newbery honoree, former children’s librarian, and also a trans man. I can think of no better pairing. Together with illustrator J Yang, they’ve given us a must-read book for readers of all identities.
“Story Pirates” Podcast Features Story About a Trans Boy
The latest episode of the award-winning Story Pirates podcast features a story about a transgender prince who decides to live as his true self. The story, originally by a 10-year-old girl, was brought to life by an all trans/nonbinary cast. Listen here.
HHS Issues Guidance “Unequivocally” Supporting Gender Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance stating that it is illegal to deny minors gender affirming care when “medically appropriate and necessary,” and directing the HHS Office for Civil Rights to investigate violations of the applicable laws.