Minnie Bruce Pratt, an acclaimed poet, essayist, and activist who wrote, among other things, about losing custody of her children when she came out as a lesbian, died on July 4 of an aggressive brain tumor at age 76.
I first wrote this in 2016, shortly after the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando that killed 49 mostly Latine, LGBTQ young people. Seven years later, I am reposting it as a reminder to remember, to teach, and to act.
For Earth Day (or any day), here are some LGBTQ-inclusive books that show how queer youth and youth with queer parents have played a part in fighting climate change, and that remind us of our connections with the natural world.
Listen to the silence. As part of a national student-led demonstration, youth from middle grades to college are choosing to remain silent today, the GLSEN Day of Silence, to protest the harm caused by harassment and discrimination towards LGBTQ people in schools.
Today is “Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day,” when families are encouraged to enjoy books together in honor of beloved author Beverly Cleary’s birthday. I’m therefore highlighting some chapter book series, since that was Cleary’s sweet spot—but these all have LGBTQ inclusion!
Looking for a great new kids’ music album that inspires kids to find creative solutions to challenges big and small? To grow their emotional skills and be allies to others? To sing joyously about a nonbinary best friend? Here’s the album for you, by a trans-led band.
My spouse and I started our family via reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF). The overturning of Roe v. Wade, however, poses a threat to IVF access and to others who want to start their families through IVF. While IVF remains legal in every state as of this writing, a new campaign is seeking to ensure it stays that way.
Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl in the U.K., was murdered last Saturday. Her death should remind us of the dire need to protect trans youth and all trans lives.
I hope we not only read Dr. King’s words today, but put them into action throughout the year. Here are some resources for talking with kids about the holiday, and also about race and racism—conversations we should be having regularly.
Kelley Robinson, the new president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), is the first Black, queer woman to lead the organization. She’s also the mother of a toddler. Being a mom and wife is “the center of everything I do,” she told me in an interview about her family, her work, and her vision for the future.
