LGBTQ2+ Picture Books
As a society, we’ve come a long way in our acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ2+ people. This is partly reflected in that acronym. It has grown from LGB, which stands for lesbian, gay and bisexual, to embrace a broader array of gender and sexual identities. It was later expanded to LGBTQ, which adds transgender and queer or questioning to the acronym. You may also see it written as LGBTQIA, which includes intersex and asexual. One of the most current acronyms you may find is LGBTQ2+. This stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirits. Two-spirits is a term used by some Indigenous people to describe someone who identifies as having both a masculine and feminine spirit. The + is meant to represent inclusivity of any other identities, such as non-binary, pansexual, intersex or asexual.
According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, almost 5% of the population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and 29% of those individuals are raising children. And, according to Stonewall, a foundation by and for the LGBTQ2+ community, about half of LGBTQ2+ people are not open to everyone in their family about the sexual orientation or gender identity.
This seems like a lot of heavy subjects when we’re talking about young children, but we do need to educate our children so that we continue to create a more accepting world. Luckily, many strides have been made in children’s publishing and this is reflected in our library collection. While books about LGB characters have been around for a while, the past several years have shown a great increase in the number of children’s books featuring LGBTQ2+ characters and families of all types.
Originally published in 1989, Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman is often considered the first book for children to represent openly gay characters. For many years it was one of the most frequently challenged children’s books. A similar book, Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Wilhoite, was published a year later. Now our readers have many more options, including an updated version of Heather Has Two Mommies, published in 2015.
This is a great asset to young readers. Books that represent all kinds of people are important. For kids learning who they are and how they identify it’s very important that they see book characters that reflect their own experiences - they will know they’re not alone. Books can also teach all kids about embracing difference, overcoming adversity and having pride. Diverse books help kids develop empathy and a sense of community, even if someone seems different from them. And sometimes, they’re just fun books to read!
By reading these books with our children, we can help make them more accepting of themselves and others. Love is love. And it’s never too early to start. The following books are all picture books meant for preschool to early elementary readers and represent different kinds of families, transgender characters, or just characters that might feel “different”. This is only a representation of what’s available in our library system. If you enjoy these titles, a librarian can help you find more or you can search our online catalog using terms like “gender nonconformity”, “individuality”, “homosexuality”, “gay parents”, “children of gay parents”, “gender identity”, “social acceptance in children”, or “transgender people”. You will also find many similar books for more independent readers and young adults. You may also want to check out the winners of the annual Stonewall Book Award for LGBTQ2+ books.
So many children can relate to nighttime fears like those Lester is facing after being adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich. What will make him feel home at last?
It’s hard not to be charmed by this book that has become a modern classic. It is based on the true story of two male penguins who adopt an abandoned egg at the Central Park Zoo. Also available as a board book and downloadable audiobook.
Todd Parr is well known for presenting big ideas in a simple and playful way. The Family Book celebrates all different kinds of families and the love they share. Many of his other books could also be additions to this list including It’s Okay to be Different, The Mommy Book, and The Daddy Book. The Family Book is also available as a board book and in Spanish.
Errol's best friend and teddy, Thomas, is sad because he wishes he were a girl, not a boy teddy, but the only thing that matters to both is that they are friends. This story introduces young readers to the idea of gender identity and what it means to be a good friend.
Young Julian wants to dress up just like the three spectacular women he saw in mermaid costumes on the subway, but will his Abuela accept the mess he makes and the way he sees himself? This book is also available as a downloadable audiobook, downloadable eBook, book-on-cd and read-along video. There is also a sequel available called Julian at the Wedding.
Four-year-old Dyson sometimes wears jeans and other times he wears dresses and a tiara. This story of love is inspired by author’s son and is meant to teach acceptance to both children and adults.
Bunnybear sometimes gets made fun of because, even though he was born a bear, he knows he’s a bunny. But can he and a new friend teach all the animals to find their inner animal? This book is about friendship and acceptance of differences and introduces the idea that outside appearance may not always match internal identity. This is also available as a downloadable eBook.
Two worms fall in love and want to get married. Who will wear the tux and who will wear the dress? It doesn’t matter! What does matter is their love for each other.
This is more of an informational picture book that introduces young readers to the idea of gender identity – some people are boys, some are girls, some are both, neither or somewhere in between. This is a good introduction to the ideas and vocabulary for kids with questions.
Harriet loves costumes, but when she’s wearing a penguin costume while out shopping with her two dads, she gets carried away by a waddle of penguins and must find her way home!
Websites:
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/visualization/lgbt-stats/?topic=LGBT#density
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/lgbt-facts-and-figures
http://www.ala.org/rt/rrt/award/stonewall/honored
- by Christine, Hollowbrook Branch
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