I am often asked; how can parents and schools promote inclusion in an age-appropriate manner? In an age of ever-increasing internet savvy children, it is important that children have the right information to enable them to develop a sense of identity and belonging, but also to appreciate that everyone is “the same but different.” Children and young people need to have visibility and representation; they need to see themselves in the materials they are given to educate themselves.
Why now? Now, more than ever, it is important to address the misinformation that underpinned the protests that rocked the UK over the summer. Yet, misinformation it was; borne out of prejudice and ignorance. I grew up in the 80s and 90s and was all too aware of the ignorance of prejudice, but it hasn’t gone away.
What was it that was missing? Visibility and representation. Thanks to Thatcher’s Section 28 amendment to the Local Authority Act, from 1988 to 2003, it was illegal to “promote homosexuality” as a “pretended family relationship” in educational establishments in the UK. This resulted in a fifteen-year long hiatus of representation in books for marginalised queer people; the wider impact on their mental health had long lasting negative effects. LGBTQ+ people like myself, who wanted to teach, were forced to lead a double life; I was fearful for my prospective career being ripped away in the blink of an eye if my “dirty little secret” were to be revealed.
What was missing was representation in the literature that was so desperately needed. If I had seen myself in the books found in school at the time, I don’t believe I would have had to hide my true identity for so long. Being true to oneself and having a strong sense of identity is crucial to fulfilling your potential and in turn, becoming the most productive version of yourself.
Children start with picture books, so representation must begin with them. Yet, picture books are not just for younger children… Yes, you might introduce a story such as “This House” by Michael Rosen in the first years of primary school, but this might then be revisited to consider talking about morals several years later.
I wrote my first story when I was a headteacher in Leicestershire. “The Best Mummy Snails in the Whole Wide World” was originally created as a story to be shared in assembly to give representation to families with same-sex parents in the primary school where I worked when I found 2 children being picked on for having two mummies. The follow-up, “The Most Contented Snail in the Whole Wide World” sees the baby snails from the first story go to school and meet a slug who wants to be a snail. While not explicitly using the term transgender, it demonstrates it is ok to want to “be like your friends.” On the one level, it gives the simple message of being kind to everyone, while on a more complex level, it can open up more in-depth discussions. There are countless other picture books that can be shared as an introduction to more complex issues. Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell’s “And Tango Makes Three” is another great (true) story that leads to discussions around same-sex parenting, yet with older children it can be used to explore homosexuality in the wider natural world. This is not a new phenomenon as countless academics and zoologists have shared stories, most recently in the UK is that of Curtis and Arthur, a pair of Chilean male flamingos who adopted an abandoned egg and reared a chick.
Other books that promote visibility and celebrate difference include “Odd Egg,” “Home For Grace” and “Something Else.” Emily Gravett’s “Odd Egg” can inspire discussions around the pros and cons of adoption and fostering on one level, or on another level can open up debates around first impressions of different families. Kathryn White’s “Home For Grace” is a beautifully illustrated leaver into analysing the plight of the homeless and can further explore the complexities of refugees’ decision making. Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell’s “Something Else” showcases ‘Something’ who feels unaccepted in their world, but when they meet ‘Something Else,’ an initially intolerance turns to acceptance and love.
If picture books and literature can be so useful, why is there a drive in some parts of the world to ban some of these books? Book-banning is not new. The UK’s Section 28 was sparked as the government’s response to protests against Danish book, “Jenny Lives With Eric and Martin” by Susanne Bosche being translated into English and being found in a library. In the United States, another title “Heather Has Two Mommies” by Leslea Newman caused similar controversy in the late 80s. More recently Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” campaign (2022) and the controversy around the anti-trans rhetoric in the UK government’s Relationships & Sexual Health Education Guidance (2024) have also led to a spate of books being banned and talk of more following suit. This knee jerk reaction to books is a fear that they will somehow cause children to ‘become gay or question their gender identity,’ when in fact what they actually do is give hope to those who may be going through potential turmoil. These books save lives by being there. You can’t turn someone queer.
What can be done then? Be open. Be honest. Be brave. Have a broad range of picture books and visual representation on your shelves; at home, at school, in the library. Because if someone is brave enough to pick up a book and see themselves in the book, they are brave enough to be themselves. There are many good examples that you can use and lots of supportive resources and lists of books that share these examples; Amazon, Stonewall, Book Trust, Reading Rockets etc.. Take a look at the list of resources below. In Nottingham, bookshops like Five Leaves (Long Row) and The Bookcase (Main Street, Lowdham) as well as awesome resources such as Nottingham’s Central Library have extremely helpful staff who will happily help you find appropriate books.
Here in Nottingham, we are a former City of Literature… we have a history of links with great writers; DH Lawrence, Alan Stilitoe and romantic queer poet Lord Byron (who’s final resting place is Hucknall Parish Church). We should be engaging with children and encouraging them to become the next great readers and writers themselves! We can only do this by ensuring we give them all the representation they need to fulfil their true potential. What are you waiting for? Go fill your shelves with some of the most inspiring works of literary art you can find.
Websites to visit to choose your picture books:
Book Trust – https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/l/lgbt-picture-books/
Reading Rockets – https://www.readingrockets.org/books-and-authors/booklists/me-and-my-life/lgbtq-books-kids
Stonewall – https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/lgbtq-inclusive-books-children-and-young-people
Troy Jenkinson 