By the esteemed Lesléa Newman, author of the classic Heather Has Two Mommies.
Published in 1991, two years after Heather, by the new children’s imprint of LGBT press Alyson Publications, Gloria’s story begins by showing how she celebrates Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Hanukkah, and Mothers’ Day with her Mama Grace and Mama Rose. Gay Pride Day is special, though, she tells us, because she “gets to be in a parade.”
She and her moms make signs (hers reads, “I love my mommies”) and they head to the parade, where they meet other families with children, the neighborhood mail carrier, and Gloria’s music teacher, among others. It was quite a statement to include a gay teacher back in 1991, when sensitivities about allowing gay people around children were even higher and the threat of firing even greater (not that things are better in many places even now). Newman adds the teacher without fanfare or fuss, however, showing us the world as it should be.
Not all is perfect in the world she creates, though. Most of the spectators smile and cheer, but on one page, a few sit by a sign saying, “Gays go away.” When Gloria asks why, Mama Rose explains, “Some women love women, some men love men, and some women and men love each other. That’s why we march in the parade—so everyone can have a choice.” They move on to the park to dance, have lunch, and buy souvenirs and ice cream.
Despite being more than two decades old, the story holds up remarkably well, conveying the celebratory nature of Pride in the context of a loving family and supportive community (despite the few who are opposed). It reminds us that while children may be more prevalent in today’s Pride parades, they’re hardly a new phenomenon. The one thing that makes it feel a bit dated is the term “Gay Pride” rather than the more current “LGBT Pride.”
The black-and-white pencil sketches by Russell Crocker are charming but may feel dull compared to the full-color world of many children’s books. Enterprising parents or children may want to add their own colors if they can find their own copy of the book. Alas, it is out of print, but one can find used copies through some online (and offline) booksellers, or borrow an electronic copy from the Open Library (openlibrary.org).
