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There’s no question that Pride has felt different these past few years. We’re still marching, but now the #BlackLivesMatter and #TransLivesMatter protest signs are filling the crowds as well as the rainbows and the #LoveisLove signs. And honestly, this is exactly as it should be — because without intersectionality, we can’t achieve equality. Right now, all parents should be talking to their kids about racism, teaching them how to be activists and how to use their privilege for good, and reading diverse, inclusive children’s books to them. That goes for books by Black authors and illustrators, books featuring kids of color, and also books that celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride and all the ways queer and gender-nonconforming folx and families can look, be, live, and love.
Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ parent yourself, have a child who identifies as queer or non-binary, or are just a parent wanting to educate your kids on the history of queer and trans activism and all the ways it’s so, so cool to celebrate our differences, we’ve got some fantastic books for you. From picture books even the littlest ones can understand, such as Love is Love and The GayBCs, to books that make education fun, such asGay & Lesbian History For Kids, andIntersection Allies: We Make Room for All, there’s a beautiful LGBTQ+-inclusive book here for any age, any gender, and any kid. Just try to read them all without tearing up; it may be impossible.
A version of this story was published in 2020.
‘I am Jazz’
My own son’s favorite on this list, trans teen activist Jazz Jennings penned this children’s book/memoir about her own childhood experiences. Jennings knew she was different at only age two, and her words dismantle any confusion around what “transgender” means — in accessible language for little ones.
And Tango Makes Three
A modern classic known by many of us parents, queer and otherwise, as simply “The Gay Penguin Book,” And Tango Makes Three is the sweet (true!) story of two boy penguins in the Central Park Zoo who fall in love and start a family. How? Like so many gay human parents before them, they adopt a baby in need of a home.
Gay & Lesbian History For Kids
This one is more of a history manual than a storybook, but its interactive activities make it surprisingly fun. Kids will learn about Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk, Keith Haring, and more.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk & the Rainbow Flag
And speaking of Harvey Milk, did you know the San Francisco politician and activist is one of the creators — along with designer Gilbert Baker — of the Pride Flag? This is one meaningful (and colorful) story kids will love.
Love Makes a Family
Love Makes a Family is a beautifully and diversely illustrated board book that teaches toddlers and preschoolers about the only ingredient a family needs. (Love. It’s love.) And, yes, that goes for families of queer parents, solo parents, Grandma as a caregiver, and more.
The GayBCs
A is for Allies, F is for Family, and Q is for Queer! This alphabet adventure teaches kids their ABCs in the gayest way, and it’s amazing. M.L. Webb’s vibrant drawings and inclusive poems will win hearts.
Pink is For Boys
Well, the truth is: Pink is for boys, and girls, and unicorns, and any gender at all! This beautiful book teaches kids to question, dismantle, and bust apart those gender stereotypes — in favor of being who they are.
Stonewall: Our March Continues
This storybook tells the tale of that historic June night in 1969 when the gay bar Stonewall Inn was raided by police — and the protests in response kick-started the LGBTQ equality movement into high speed. And now, 50+ years later, we’ve still got a lot of work to do.
Julian is a Mermaid
When Julián sees two women dressed as mermaids on the subway (because Coney Island Mermaid Parade, duh) he knows he wants to dress just like them. But will his Abuela be cool with his gender-nonconforming costume? (Spoiler: She loves it.)
Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All
Ok, so this book isn’t LGBTQ-specific, but it’s a powerful lesson on intersectionality for activists in all areas. Because without supporting equality for all, we aren’t supporting true equality for anyone.
The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish
This delightful book by none other than Lil Mis Hot Mess, illustrated by Olga de Dios, is a fun romp into Dragland kids of all ages will love. From the costumes and the makeup to the rhymes, this story and its queens make it clear: Being yourself is the coolest. Plus, it’s one of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s favorite books to read to his sons!
Love is Love
Psychologist Michael Genhart wrote this book to teach even the youngest kids that love is love and families are families, no matter what they look like. It’s a sweet story that cultivates acceptance and open-mindedness and celebrates diversity.
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride
Another can’t-miss book by Dr. Genhart, Rainbow is a primer on LGBTQ history and the ways in which families can all look different. It even shares the story behind the rainbow flag — a colorful symbol kids will love.
This Day in June
Pride parades may not look the same this year, so why not take your kids on a Pridestravaganza courtesy of this celebratory book? This Day in June even comes with an educational note for parents and caregivers on how to talk to kids about gender and sexuality in an age-appropriate way.
Heather Has Two Mommies
It wouldn’t be a complete roundup without the classic. The O.G. of LGBTQ children’s books, this story has been a family favorite since its head-turning publication in 1989.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself
Summary: Some kids and grown-ups are girls and boys, and men and women. Some are neither. Some are both! The end. (Well, there’s a lot more to it than that, but Theresa Thorn and Noah Grigni explain it so much more beautifully than we could.)
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