June is LGTBQIA2S+ Pride month, and we are honored to share a bit about why this month is so important, along with some educational and kid-focused topical books to read with your nanny charges.
LGTBQIA2S+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people identify.
According to the Library of Congress, Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan. The Stonewall Riots were a tipping point for the queer Black liberation movement in the United States, and you can learn more about the extraordinary community leaders involved in the uprising by researching Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie. The last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day,” but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation, the “day” soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events.
Stormé DeLarverie
Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts, and LGTBQIA2S+ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the enormous, meaningful impact that LGBTQIA2S+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
Marsha P. Johnson
The Progress Pride Flag, designed by Daniel Quasar which includes a triangular chevron to one side honoring the trans community as well as people of color.
Harvey Milk
You may notice your nanny kids approaching you with questions about pride month or all of the beautiful rainbows displayed in shop windows this month, so we wanted to share some great books that will help them understand the LGTBQIA2S+ movement in an age-appropriate manner. As with all conversations of great importance, we strongly recommend speaking with the parents ahead of time and making sure that you’re all on the same page with the tone and content of the intended conversation. Here are some of our favorite books for kids related to the amazing LGTBQIA2S+ community!
‘A Family Is a Family Is a Family’
From a grandmother taking care of a grandchild to two dads raising a kid, a classroom of students explores what makes their families stand out. (By Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng)
‘When You Look Out the Window’
This picture book introduces kids to LGTBQIA2S+ civil rights activists and couple Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who fought for change in San Francisco and across the country. (By Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Christopher Lyles)
‘Large Fears’
Myles E. Johnson explores multiple identities and adds to the important conversation of what it means to be Black and queer. The main character is a black boy named Jeremiah Nebula, and he likes the color pink. (Illustrated by Kendrick Daye)
‘Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag’
Pride teaches kids about LGTBQIA2S+ icon Harvey Milk, as well as about how the Pride flag became a symbol of acceptance and equality. (By Rob Sanders, illustrated Steven Salerno)
‘From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea’
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea tackles the topic of gender fluidity for children and encourages them to explore their identities. (By Kai Cheng Thom, illustrated by Wai-Yant Li and Kai Yun Ching)
‘Antonio’s Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio’
This bilingual book explores Mother’s Day from a boy’s point of view as he deals with classmates making fun of his mom’s partner, Leslie. He also learns how to show his appreciation for the women in his life who love him. (By Rigoberto González, Illustrated by Cecilia Concepción Álvarez)
‘Julián Is a Mermaid’
After seeing women on the subway dressed like beautiful mermaids, Julian wants to do the same. But he struggles with whether his Abuela (grandmother) will understand his desire to do so. (By Jessica Love)
We’d love to hear about the ways that you’ve talked with your nanny kids about LGTBQIA2S+ rights and pride month – reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram, and check out the other posts on the blog!
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