Who doesn't love a good story with characters you can relate to, learn from, and cherish? Books draw us in, teach us lessons, and allow us to see other points of view and places in the world. Everyone should be able to see themselves and their lives reflected in quality literature, from picture books to chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction. There are many benefits of LGBTQ+ books for kids of all ages and backgrounds.
For Those Who Identify As Part of the LGBTQ+ Community
Developing a sense of identity is a crucial part of growing up. At every age, children are learning about themselves, including who they're attracted to and how to express their gender identity. Figuring out whether they identify as LGBTQ+ can be a long process for some kids. Literature that allows these children to see their lives reflected in books at school creates an important sense of belonging within their class and school. These books are also important for children with parents or loved ones who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
What are some attributes of books that are important for children in the LGBTQ+ community?
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Representing families with two moms or two dads.
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Characters questioning whether they feel like a boy, a girl, something in between — or another gender entirely.
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Sharing the LGBTQ+ experience, including coming out and being proud of who you are.
Seeing that people like them exist in the fictional world can help children feel more accepted in the real world. These books may provide readers with a path in life that they didn't know previously existed, opening up the world to them. Nonfiction LGBTQ+ books can also share the history of the LGBTQ+ community.
For Those Who Do Not Identify As Part of the LGBTQ+ Community
LGBTQ+ books benefit children who do not identify with the community or have anyone else in their lives who openly identifies as LGBTQ+ as well. It provides a window into these experiences, often teaching empathy and understanding. It helps to read about topics you're not familiar with to understand better where another person or perspective comes from in any situation. LGBTQ+ books can inform and educate readers about accepting differences and reducing stereotypes. When you have the opportunity to read about different perspectives, it often opens your eyes and heart to others.
Dispelling Myths About LGBTQ+ Books
While those who oppose LGBTQ+ books in classrooms or school libraries may have good intentions, this opposition can be based in some misunderstandings. Here are a couple of myths regarding LGBTQ+ books to dispel:
LGBTQ+ Books Are Inappropriate For Children
The premise of this myth is that children are too young to understand and discuss sexuality, romantic attraction, or gender identity. The truth is that these concepts are already introduced to young children but from a cisgender/heterosexual standpoint. Little boys are accused of flirting with the server at the local restaurant. Little girls are asked how many boyfriends they have in preschool or kindergarten. The toys we provide our children are often considered masculine (cars, trucks, weapons) or feminine (dolls, kitchen sets, dress up). Children will even pretend to get married or play family and house on the playground at school.
These actions are centered around a conforming cisgender and heterosexual norm and are considered acceptable in our society. The truth is that children are often talking about attraction, sexual orientation, and gender identity early. The children who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are often stifled because they don't see themselves represented in society and are even told that they're too young to know better. When these children are deprived of books that mirror their sexual and gender diversity, we clearly message that they aren't valued. We tell them they're not normal by eliminating or not including LGBTQ+ books.
The world is full of LGBTQ+ individuals, and reading about them can help all children prepare for living in this diverse world, whether they're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not.
There Aren't Any LGBTQ+ Community Members in Our School
The fact is that members of the LGBTQ+ community are everywhere and not always out in the open. They keep their identity to themselves because they're made to feel less than normal or unsafe and unaccepted. You may have LGBTQ+ students in your classroom or school and not even know it. They may have two mommies or daddies, and you're not privy to that information. They may have an aunt or other family member who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2019, a study by UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute showed that 11.3 million adults and 1.3 million teenagers identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Up to 3.7 million children are being raised by parents who identify as LGBTQ+. Literature is a principal socializing agent that shares the ideas and perspectives that the culture and society value. Sharing LGBTQ+ books with youth demonstrates their importance to society and makes them feel valued.
Children Don't Benefit from LGBTQ+ Representation
Not only is this not true, LGBTQ+ children are actually more likely to suffer harm when they are made to feel isolated from their peers and community. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation conducted a study of over 12,000 LGBTQ+ youth, ages 13 to 17, from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in 2017. These teens reported that they experience a higher level of anxiety, stress, and rejection and feel unsafe in classrooms and school. Here are the results of the HRC study:
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77% of the LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling down or depressed.
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95% of LGBTQ+ teens have trouble sleeping at night.
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70% of these children reported feeling hopeless and worthless.
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26% stated that they feel safe in their classroom, with only 5% sharing that they felt their school staff and teachers were supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
Overwhelmingly, these students shared that acceptance, supportive families, and inclusive schools are critical to their well-being and success. LGBTQ+ books let these students know that they are seen, heard, valid, accepted, and loved in their school community.
Schools, libraries, and homes need to be spaces where students feel safe, supported, and seen. Having LGBTQ+ literature available for students increases their feeling of belonging and self-worth and helps them feel more connected to their community. LGBTQ+ books benefit all students by providing them with meaningful messages of acceptance and encouragement. What are the other benefits of LGBTQ+ books in schools? Leave a comment below to add to the discussion.
A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, following the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself—and made history along the way.
A joyful baby refuses to conform to the gender binary and instead chooses toys, colors, and clothes that make them happy.
There are different ways to show and be who you are in this affirming photographic picture book that offers a celebratory and informative look at kids and their wide-ranging gender identities. “Sometimes it’s hard when kids say you have to be a boy or a girl when you’re not. Everyone should feel safe to just be who they are.” Girls, boys, neither, both, or just not sure. Kids are kids! There are different ways to show and be who you are. It’s up to you—how you feel, how you dress, how you act, how you play, learn, and love. Who is the true you? With the permission of their parents, the children in this photographic picture book were recorded and transcribed by authors Gwen Agna and Shelley Rotner as they were photographed. These powerful testimonials paired with a spare narrative and vibrant, joyful portraits offer up a humanizing and moving exploration of kids and how they feel about their true selves.
Author-illustrator Marc Majewski delivers a gorgeously painted, tender story about a young child who loves dressing up as a butterfly. A joyful celebration of creativity, self-expression, and family—perfect for fans of Jessica Love and Beatrice Alemagna. I am a butterfly. I spin and swirl, twist and twirl, flutter and flap, and when I open my wings, I fly! A young child loves the spots and patterns found on butterflies, and fashions bold orange wings to become a butterfly child. But when other kids shun the child for the clothes they don’t understand, it takes a father’s encouragement for the kid to stay true to what they love and find joy in the butterfly wings once more. * A Junior Library Guild Selection * Kids' Indie Next List Pick *
With a universal message and stunning paper collage art, this striking book celebrates the power of community, family, and most of all, love.
This acclaimed picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas.
One of Time Out's “LGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month,” this irresistible picture book is a celebration of love in all its splendid forms.
A poignant, timely, and universal picture book about fear, adoption, family, and the joy of fatherhood.
Jonathan Van Ness, the star of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, brings his signature humor and positivity to his empowering first picture book, inspiring readers of all ages to love being exactly who they are.
A vibrant ode to the culture and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, The Meaning of Pride, written by Rosiee Thor and illustrated by Sam Kirk, celebrates the beauty, significance, and many dimensions of the concept of Pride as celebrated by millions of people around the world!Every year in June, we celebrate Pride! But what does Pride mean? And how do you celebrate it?This inspiring celebration of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history and today shows young readers that there are many ways to show your pride and make a difference.Whether you want to be an activist or an athlete, a poet or a politician, a designer or a drag queen, you can show your pride just by being you!
Celebrate exactly what makes you YOU in this new book that champions self-expression and self-love. Whether silly, curious, sad, or glad, Wonderful You! reminds kids to be proud to be themselves, and to embrace the many faces of YOU.
This joyful book celebrates the many ways people can join together to become something bigger—an unstoppable force. Each and every one of us can use our voices to make a difference!
This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone.
A poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride.
A heartfelt debut novel about a boy’s attempt to find himself in the history he loves.
Acceptance, understanding, and hope shine through in this heartfelt coming of age story.
Funny and full of heart, this debut graphic novel is a story about friendship, identity, and embracing all the parts of yourself that make you special.
An inspiring story about how an unexpected friendship transforms the lives of two middle schoolers.
This queer coming-of-age story sings with heart, warmth, and hope.
A beautifully heartfelt story about one boy’s journey toward acceptance.
Find the confidence to rock out to your own beat in this big-hearted middle grade novel. One of Time Out's “LGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month.”
Six kids search for a new place to call home in this middle grade graphic novel debut.
One of Time Out's “LGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month,” this groundbreaking, pop-culture-infused illustrated biography collection takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the lives of fifty influential queer figures who have made a mark on every century of human existence.
A modern-day graphic novel adaptation of Little Women that explores identity, friendships, and new experiences through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Jo March.
This coming-of-age story explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in this dual-narrative story about two kids who join forces to save a dog . . . but wind up saving each other.
In the first book of this full-color fantasy graphic novel series filled with humor and hijinks, the fate of the land of Nothing hinges on Nathan and an unlikely team of magical beings to save the day.
This novel sings about loss and love and finding joy in new friendships and a loving family, along with the world’s best bad dog.
Dumplin' meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this heartfelt and funny contemporary romance inspired by Dollywood, about two boys who fall in love against the backdrop of a country music-themed amusement park.
A sharply funny and moving debut novel about a queer Mexican American girl navigating Catholic school, while falling in love and learning to celebrate her true self.
A delectable rom-com that’s brimming with zest and a sprinkle of sweetness.
As natural disasters begin to befall them the closer they become, Milo and Marcos soon begin to wonder if the universe itself is plotting against them.
This simmering, joyous novel delivers a tender romance set between two brave teens who decide that when the script isn’t working, it’s time to rewrite it themselves.
A stand-alone dual POV queer rom-com that asks if love is enough to change everything you’ve grown up believing.
A romantic coming-of-age novel in verse about the beautiful—and sometimes painful—fallout of pursuing the love we deserve.
In this delightfully romantic LGBTQ+ comedy-of-errors inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, a high school senior works up the courage to ask her long-time crush to prom, all while deciding if she should look for her bio family.
In this complex and emotionally resonant novel about a Métis girl living on the Canadian prairies, a powerful story about rage, secrets, and all the spectrums that make up a person—and the sweetness that can still live alongside the bitterest truth.
This groundbreaking illustrated YA nonfiction title is a well-researched and teen-friendly exploration of the gamut of queer behaviors observed in animals.
We hope that this article has shown you the importance of having stories that reflect all members of our community in your child’s reading library. LGBTQ+ books for kids provide representation, foster empathy and understanding, and teach valuable life lessons. If you are looking for additional titles to add to your home library or school classroom, please check out our full collection of LGBTQ+ Pride Book for Kids. And don’t forget to share these books with your friends and family – the more people who read them, the better!
