Seeking Hope
Like so many, I have been angered and appalled by the horrific acts of terrorism committed by Hamas on Israeli civilians. Now, I am trying to hold several difficult things in my heart as I try to find hope.
Social Justice
“Dare to Question”: A Queer Suffragette’s Picture Book Biography
Carrie Chapman Catt led the women’s suffrage movement through passage of the 19th Amendment—aided by the woman a new picture book rightly calls her “partner for life.” Here’s my review, along with an exciting giveaway!
In Memoriam: Minnie Bruce Pratt, Poet, Activist, and Lesbian Mother
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.
Of Hate and Hope: Explaining the Pulse Massacre to My Son
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.
5 LGBTQ Kids’ Books for Earth Day (Because It Will Take Everyone to Save Our Planet)
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
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.
Drop Everything and Read These 9 LGBTQ-Inclusive Chapter Book Series
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!
Kids’ Music Album Celebrates Creativity, Social Justice, and Nonbinary Best Friends
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.
“Fight for Families” Campaign Launched to Keep IVF Access Legal
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.
In Memoriam: Brianna Ghey
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.
