Today's Lesson: LGBTQ+, Pride, and Allyship
It is our hope that space will help people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can gain a more unbiased and thorough understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, while also learning how to promote acceptance. These conversations can be complex, and often we don’t know where to begin; but we believe by beginning with our littlest ones, we can have the most long-term impact, both individually and as a society. The resources below are meant to help find a good jumping off point when it comes to talking to children about identifying on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, and what it means to be an ally. Click here to return to the main page.
Learning Levels
Early Childhood Adolescent AdultRead
And Tango Makes Three
Children’s books are one of the most effective tools to engage with young children on important issues. And Tango Makes Three is a picture book set in the Central Park Zoo and tells the story of two penguins, Roy and Silo, who want to have a family. They get help from a zookeeper, and soon have a baby penguin of their own. It’s based on the true story of Central Park Zoo’s “gay penguins” – and is a lovely story about acceptance and inclusion.
EXTRA CREDIT: 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. More on the children's book, Julián Is a Mermaid.
Watch
F is for Family
Our world consists of different configurations, beliefs, cultural norms, and personal practices, and Sesame Street does a wonderful job reminding us this can apply to families as well. One of the most important gifts we can give our children is to help them feel good about the uniqueness of their family and help them learn to accept, respect, and include people whom they may experience as "different."
EXTRA CREDIT: The trend of children’s shows featuring LGBTQ+ characters continues to grow with the reboot of Clifford The Big Red Dog. The show became the second PBS KIDS series with recurring LGBTQ+ characters when one of Emily’s friends brought her two moms to a dinner party.
Listen
Julie's Library
Join Julie Andrews, a beloved icon and ally for the LGBTQ+ community, for story time! Julie and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton – children’s author and educator – invite you into their library to read their favorite children's books. Every story comes to life with sound, music and activities. Authors, kids and other special guests chime in, too! Julie's Library podcast is produced by American Public Media.
EXTRA CREDIT: One way we can help children accept others is to encourage them to express themselves creatively and help them see it’s okay to be different. The PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC podcast is an extension of the hit PBS KIDS series and follows Pinkalicious and her little brother Peter through 10 interactive episodes encouraging kids to dance, sing, make believe, and express themselves through the creative arts.
*Premieres with two episodes October 28, followed by one new episode per week