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Celebrate LGBTQ Pride With Your Family Using Children’s Books
Post submitted by HRC Welcoming Schools Project Coordinator Charles Girard
In honor of Pride Month, HRC’s Welcoming Schools is highlighting the importance of reading books with LGBTQ topics. HRC provides a diverse selection of books, allowing families to find a book that they can enjoy together. Different topics, characters and reading levels also make it easy to find the right book for you and your family.
Here are just a few good reasons you should share children’s books with LGBTQ topics with the children in your life:.
Children in LGBTQ families want to see themselves reflected in their world.
Children who feel accepted are more likely to earn better grades and feel more connected to their communities. What better way to show children that their families are valid than to read a book with characters that look like them?
Reading diverse books increases understanding of differences for all children.
Anti-LGBTQ put-downs are some of the most common amongst children, and one way to build a common understanding of respect amongst children is by reading. Reading a book featuring LGBTQ characters may curb anti-LGBTQ language, just like reading a book about a transgender girl can increase empathy toward transgender people.
Adults need to help children understand the world around them.
Even if your family isn’t LGBTQ, children already see and hear about LGBTQ people in the media and from friends. In fact, same-sex couples are raising children in almost every U.S. county. Ensure that your children receive positive messages about LGBTQ people by starting the conversation tonight with books looking at all kinds of diverse families!
Check back with HRC’s blog throughout the month as HRC’s Welcoming Schools celebrates Pride Month, highlighting different children’s books that reflect the experiences of LGBTQ people.
HRC Welcoming Schools is the premier comprehensive approach to creating respectful and supportive elementary schools with resources and professional development to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ-inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying and gender stereotyping, and support transgender and gender-expansive students.
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