Spring 2023 – A Collection curated by Morgan Ames, Michal Mendelbaum Kweller and Lily Su
LGBTQ+ Families refers to any family (biological, adoptive, fostered, or chosen) in which at least one individual identifies as LGBTQ+ (Homosaurus Vocabulary Site, 2019).
Definition
Literature for LGBTQ+ families and children of LGBTQ+ people are an aspect of library cataloging. These books are vital in promoting acceptance and inclusion of diverse families and identities for young readers, and can help both the children of LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ children feel seen and valued. Furthermore, representation in literature and media is very important for young people, so they don’t assume there is one binary hegemonic family structure, as the literature and media before this century has asserted.
Cataloging LGBTQ+ children’s literature under appropriate subject headings and keywords can help make these materials more easily accessible to patrons. Some appropriate subject headings might include “Children’s literature — LGBTQ+ themes,” “Gender nonconforming children — Juvenile fiction,” “Same-sex parents — Juvenile fiction,” and “Transgender children — Juvenile literature.”
By ensuring that these materials are properly cataloged and readily available, libraries can play an important role in supporting and empowering and representing LGBTQ+ families. Additionally, making these materials easily accessible can help to create a more inclusive community and promote greater understanding and acceptance of diverse identities for all children.
Physical Materials
BOOKS FOR CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
Albertalli, Becky. The Upside of Unrequited. Balzer + Bray, 2017.
“The Upside of Unrequited,” is a young adult novel that features children of LGBTQ+ parents. The main character, Molly, has two mothers and struggles with anxiety, body image, and her own romantic experiences. The book explores the themes of love, identity, and family in a way that is relatable to readers of all backgrounds, but especially resonates with children of LGBTQ+ parents – giving them representation. Through the experiences of Molly and her family, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families, and the importance of love and acceptance in creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Branfman, Jonathan, and Julie Benbassat. You Be You! The Kid’s Guide to Gender, Sexuality, and Family. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021.
“You Be You!” is a guidebook for children to explore gender, sexuality, and diverse families in a fun and interactive way. With engaging illustrations and age-appropriate language, this book provides children with the tools to understand and celebrate differences. The illustrations in the book show children of parents from many different LGBTQ+ backgrounds, creating representations and visualizations of a more diverse and tolerant world.
McClintick, Joanna. ‘Twas the Night Before Pride. Familius LLC, 2021.
‘Twas the Night Before Pride” is a children’s book that celebrates the joy and excitement of Pride festivities. With colorful illustrations and playful rhyming text, this book follows two little kids and their moms before Pride. It discusses and visualizes the bikers, drag queens, queer musicians and others who get ready for the city Pride parade. Since the mixed-race LGBTQ+ family is preparing for their child’s first pride, they tell them the history of the celebration from Stonewall to today.
Zaczek, Alyssa. Martin McLean, Middle School Queen. Sterling Children’s Books, 2020.
This book is for middle-grade readers about a young boy named Martin who aspires to be a drag queen. It follows Martin’s journey as he navigates the trials of middle school and comes to terms with his identity. The book explores themes of self-acceptance, companionship, and family, and provides a favorable representation of LGBTQ+ characters. This book is an excellent resource for parents and guardians who want to introduce their children to varied gender identities and promote acceptance and comprehension of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ford, Michael Thomas. Love & Other Curses. HarperTeen, 2019.
This is a young adult story about a teen named Sam who is cursed with misfortune in romance. It traces his journey as he grapples with his emotions for his closest friend and confronts the enigmas of his family’s history. The novel offers a positive representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and examines themes of self-discovery, recognition, and affection. While the book may not directly pertain to LGBTQ+ parenting, it can function as an excellent resource for parents and caregivers seeking to introduce their children to LGBTQ+ literature and promote tolerance and appreciation of diverse identities.
BOOKS FOR FAMILIES & PARENTS
Shelton, Michael. Family Pride: What LGBT Families Should Know about Navigating Home, School, and Safety in Their Neighborhoods. Beacon Press, 2013.
“Family Pride,” is an essential guidebook for LGBTQ+ families, allies, and community members to navigate challenges related to safety, education, and community involvement. This book allows readers to learn from the experiences of other LGBTQ+ parents and their experiences parenting their children. It gives access to concrete strategies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ families to use to intervene in and resolve difficult community issues, teach their children resiliency skills, and find safe and respectful programs for their children.
Ball, Carlos A. The Right to Be Parents: LGBT Families and the Transformation of Parenthood. NYU Press, 2012.
“The Right to Be Parents” was a groundbreaking book that described the stories of LGBTQ+ parents fighting for legal recognition and protection of their relationships with their children. With a detailed history, firsthand accounts, and ethnography, this book discusses the transformation of American law and society towards greater acceptance of diverse family structures. Readers of “The Right to Be Parents” can gain a deeper understanding of the legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families, and offers an analysis of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ parental rights.
Reynolds, Andrew. The Children of Harvey Milk: How LGBTQ Politicians Changed the World. Oxford University Press, 2018.
In this publication, Andrew Reynolds investigates the influence of LGBTQ lawmakers on the globe, concentrating on the manners in which their political activism has assisted in promoting LGBTQ freedom and recognition. The text focuses on the existence and heritage of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly homosexual lawmakers in America, and looks into the manners in which his endeavor opened the path for future generations of LGBTQ lawmakers. While the publication does not concentrate exclusively on LGBTQ+ parenting and their progeny, it does provide a crucial historical framework for the manners in which LGBTQ individuals have had the capacity to gain greater recognition and visibility in culture. This, in turn, has greatly helped in establishing more opportunities for LGBTQ+ persons to begin their families and raise progeny in a more encouraging and comprehensive environment.
Craven, Christa. Reproductive Losses: Challenges to LGBTQ Family-Making. NYU Press, 2019.
This publication by Christa Craven goes into the experiences of LGBTQ individuals and couples who have undergone reproductive loss, either through miscarriage, stillbirth, or sterility. Craven converses with LGBTQ persons and couples to examine the emotional, societal, and governmental obstacles that can occur when LGBTQ persons decide to start or expand their families. The publication is noteworthy for its contribution to the quite restricted literature on LGBTQ+ parenting and family-making, particularly in its emphasis on the experiences of those who have undergone reproductive loss. The writer’s analysis illuminates the specific difficulties faced by LGBTQ individuals in navigating the complicated and frequently heteronormative landscape of reproductive healthcare and family-building, while also highlighting the resilience and originality of LGBTQ persons and families in discovering alternative paths to parenthood.
Mann, Trent. Including LGBTQ Parented Families In Schools: Research to Inform Policy and Practice. Routledge, 2022.
“Including LGBTQ+ Parented Families in Schools: Research to Inform Policy and Practice” by Trent Mann is a research-focused book that seeks to foster the integration and recognition of LGBTQ+ parented families in schools. The book analyzes the encounters of LGBTQ+ parents as well as their children in the educational system and offers recommendations for policies and procedures to construct more supportive and inclusive learning settings for these families. All in all, this book is a precious resource for instructors and policymakers who aim to establish more comprehensive schools for LGBTQ+ families. The author’s research illuminates the obstacles faced by these families when navigating the educational system, and proposes evidence-based recommendations for constructing more hospitable and accommodating school environments.
Riggs, Damien W. LGBT Parenting and Family Formation. Oxford University Press, 2023.
“LGBT Parenting and Family Formation” by Damien Riggs examines various elements of LGBTQ+ parenting and family establishment. The book encompasses subjects such as aided reproduction, adoption, and fostering, alongside the encounters of LGBTQ+ parents and their children. This work is a very helpful resource for those seeking to comprehend the varied experiences of LGBTQ+ families. The author’s investigations highlight the lawful, societal, and governmental difficulties faced by these families in establishing and sustaining their families, while also emphasizing the persistence and ingenuity of LGBTQ+ parents and their children in dealing with these obstacles.
Bracken, Lydia. Same-Sex Parenting and the Best Interests Principle. Cambridge University Press, 2020.
“Same-Sex Parenting and the Best Interests Principle” by Lydia Bracken is a legal analysis of the best interests principle in family law as it pertains to same-sex parenting. The book scrutinizes how courts have applied this principle in cases involving same-sex parents, and provides insight on how to best guarantee that the privileges of same-sex parents and their children are kept safe. This piece highly pertains to the subject of LGBTQ+ parenting and families as it offers a crucial evaluation of the legal framework concerning same-sex parenting. The author’s analysis highlights the significance of safeguarding the rights of same-sex parents and their children, and offers understanding into how best to ensure that these rights are sustained in the legal system.
Eriksen, Telaina. Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child. Mango Publishing Group, 2022.
This is a thorough guidebook for parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ children, providing recommendations on how to navigate difficulties related to coming out, partnerships, and psychological well-being. It highlights the significance of acceptance and absolute love in maintaining a healthy connection between parents and their LGBTQ+ children. It offers useful instruments and references for parents to educate themselves and advocate for their children, while also sharing personal narratives from LGBTQ+ people and their families. The book is an important resource for parents and guardians who want to gain a better understanding of and support for their LGBTQ+ children.
Tompkins, Chris. Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. Mango Media, 2019.
This text is a manual for guardians and parents on how to raise children who are supportive and inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals. It offers advice on how to have conversations with children about gender and sexuality, as well as strategies for dealing with common issues such as bullying and discrimination. The book underscores the importance of creating an open and accepting environment at home, and gives tools and resources for parents to educate themselves and their children about LGBTQ+ issues. All in all, this book is a valuable resource for parents who want to raise children who are allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
Digital Materials
Fulton County Library
“Two Dads, Two Moms: Gay Couples and Their Families.” Filmoption International (Firm). Kanopy, 2005, http://ucsb.kanopystreaming.com/video/two-dads-two-moms-gay-couples-and-their-families. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“Two Dads, Two Moms: Gay Couples and Their Families” is a 2005 documentary film that explores the lives of children growing up in households with two same-sex parents in the US and Canada. The film features interviews with gay and lesbian parents and their children discussing their families and daily lives. Through their personal stories, the film sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ families in society.
“Transgender Kids: Who Knows Best?” Kanopy, 2017, BBC. http://ucsb.kanopystreaming.com/video/transgender-kids-who-knows-best. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“Transgender Kids: Who Knows Best?” is a 2017 BBC documentary that examines the experiences of transgender children and their families. The film delves into the debates surrounding the best ways to support and affirm transgender youth, including issues related to medical interventions, social acceptance, and parental support. Through interviews with medical professionals, activists, and families, the film provides a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of gender identity in children.
“Between Friends and Family.” Dillwood, Richard Jacob. Infobase, 2014, originally released in 2013.
“Between Friends and Family” is a 2013 documentary film directed by Richard Jacob Dillwood. The film explores the journey of a known sperm donor and his lesbian friends who became parents through artificial insemination. The film follows their story over several years, delving into the complexities of modern family structures, the legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ families, and the bonds of friendship and love that transcend traditional definitions of family.
“Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric.” National Geographic Digital Media. Kanopy, 2017, http://ucsb.kanopystreaming.com/video/gender-revolution-journey-katie-couric. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric” is a 2017 documentary film that explores the complexities of gender identity. Hosted by Katie Couric, the film features interviews with scientists, activists, and individuals who identify as transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming, shedding light on the social, cultural, and political implications of gender and transgender children. Through personal stories and scientific research, the film offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of gender in contemporary society and answers questions like “What do you do when your seven-year-old son announces that he wants to be a girl? Or your husband of 30 years announces that he wants to be a woman?”
“Transbeauty.” Access Video On Demand, Films Media Group, 2017, https://avod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=19598&xtid=187399. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
This episode of “Transgender” features the story of Lisa, a contestant of the most prestigious transgender beauty pageant in the world. The episode features the story of how she made it in the pageant world, as well as interviews with her family, displaying the support of her parents.
Local Libraries
“Spoiler Alert” Apple TV. (2022, December 2). | Apple TV [Video]. Apple TV. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/spoiler-alert/umc.cmc.b1pfhixnlbslxj5ngz0wsaqi
“Spoiler Alert”, directed by Michael Showalter, is a film about the relationship of a queer couple, specifically, about how the couple navigates a terminal cancer diagnosis. The film explores how the couple deals with the thoughts of death ending the relationship, not being able to raise a family, and keeping love alive in the process.
“Throwaway Teens.” Access Video On Demand, Films Media Group, 1999, https://avod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=19598&xtid=11334. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“Throwaway Teens” is a 1999 video about an ABC newswoman, Connie Chung, and her analysis of teenagers being rejected by their families after revealing themselves as queer to their parents. The clip includes interviews that speak on the ways that some children are forced to sustain themselves when homophobic parents displace their children from their homes. This video deeply explores the relationship between LGBTQ+ children and their families.
“LGBTQ – Acceptance: Joey’s Story.” Access Video On Demand, Films Media Group, 2017, https://avod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=19598&xtid=145219. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“LGBTQ- Acceptance: Joey’s Story” is a short film about the story of a boy named Joey. In the video, Joey comes to terms with the realization of his sexuality; that he is gay. It shows the way Joey navigated the unfair treatment he received in school, and much more crucially, the intolerance he faced from his father, mother, and eventually, grandparents. This video provides insight on the ways in which struggling with sexuality because of a lack of familial support affects children- leading them to view suicide as a solution.
“Making Grace.” Access Video On Demand, Films Media Group, 2005, https://avod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=19598&xtid=141981. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“Making Grace” is a film about a lesbian couple that aspired to start a family together. The film explores the process of carrying out a surrogacy, finding a sperm donor, and becoming parents within the LGBTQ+ community. With the birth of their daughter, Grace, the film dives into the challenges of two mothers raising a daughter. The film also toggles with the process of explaining to children what it means to have “two mommies”.
“Coming Out of the Nkuta.” Access Video On Demand, Films Media Group, 2011, https://avod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=19598&xtid=118354. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“Coming out of the Nukta” is a documentary about a Cameroonian lawyer, Alice, and her journey in defending members of LGBTQ+ communities who have been rejected by their families as well as wrongfully accused by the law. This documentary shows the many lives that have been affected by familial intolerance of the LGBTQ+ communities, as well as how these people are targeted by the justice system.
National Organizations, from WorldCat
“LGBTQ Family: I Have Two Moms.” YouTube, AMAZE Org, 1 Oct. 2020, https://youtu.be/jgmBGkY_AHs. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
The video “LGBTQ Family: I Have Two Moms” is accessible via Youtube and published by AMAZE Organization. AMAZE provides resources that work towards a world where child and adolescent sexual development is not stigmatized, but rather viewed as natural and healthy. They encourage adults in children and adolescents’ lives to be affirming and communicative about traditionally difficult topics to discuss. The video is a child friendly story about a young girl who was adopted by two lesbian mothers. The resource is helpful to explain how different families might look to children.
Expressing Myself. My Way. Boyd, Dee, director. YouTube, AMAZE Org, 5 Oct. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITRdvGnplLU. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
This video “Expressing myself. My Way.” is an animated music video for middle grade children about gender identity expression, focusing on the use of clothing as a form of self expression. It is also produced by AMAZE Organization. It covers a range of gender expressions and emphasizes that it is a personal decision how you dress yourself. It would be beneficial for children to watch as they begin to develop a sense of self and uniqueness, or as they approach adolescence and begin to face judgment from peers and confusing changes in their own bodies.
“Dykes Planning Tykes: Queering the Family Tree.” Murphy, Rosalind. Women Make Movies, 2010.
“Dykes Planning Tykes: Queering the Family Tree” is a 2010 documentary film directed by Rosalind Murphy. The film explores the experiences of lesbian couples and single women who have chosen to have children through assisted reproductive technologies such as sperm donors and in vitro fertilization. The film offers an in-depth look at the emotional, social, and legal challenges faced by queer families, and the ways in which they are challenging traditional family structures and creating new forms of kinship.
Families Are Forever. Family Acceptance Project. Kleiman Vivian et al. directors. San Francisco State University 2013.
“Dykes Planning Tykes: Queering the Family Tree” is a 2010 documentary film directed by Rosalind Murphy. The film explores the experiences of lesbian couples and single women who have chosen to have children through assisted reproductive technologies such as sperm donors and in vitro fertilization. The film offers an in-depth look at the emotional, social, and legal challenges faced by queer families, and the ways in which they are challenging traditional family structures and creating new forms of kinship.
“We Are Family: Parenting and Foster Parenting in Gay Families.” Banks, Dasal et al. directors. Filmakers Library, 1988. Filmakers Library Online, http://www.aspresolver.com/aspresolver.asp?FLON;1655054. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
“We Are Family” is a 1988 documentary film directed by Dasal Banks and produced by Filmakers Library. The film explores the lives of three families with LGBTQ parents, including a lesbian couple, a gay male couple, and a transgender woman with a partner and child. Through interviews with the families, the film highlights the challenges and joys of LGBTQ parenting, including issues related to legal recognition, discrimination, and family dynamics. The film offers a rare and groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ families at a time when such families were still widely stigmatized and marginalized in mainstream society.
