LGBTQ+ themed illustrated books for children
Children’s illustrated books that deal with issues of inclusivity and diversity, especially regarding queer issues and same-parent families, play a fundamental role in the education and training of new generations. These books offer positive, realistic representations of diverse identities and family structures, allowing children to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the stories they read. This is especially important for children growing up in same-parent families or who identify with non-traditional gender identities and sexual orientations, as they may often feel invisible or marginalized in mainstream media.
Inclusivity and representation
Additionally, picture books that address these issues help normalize diversity and foster a sense of empathy and understanding among young readers. By introducing concepts of inclusiveness and acceptance from an early age, these books help fight prejudices and stereotypes, preparing children to become adults who are more open and respectful of other people’s differences. The presence of queer characters and same-parent families in children’s stories teaches that love and family can take many different forms, all equally valid and worthy of respect.
Another crucial aspect is that these books often become valuable tools for parents, teachers and educators. They provide a starting point for important discussions about gender identity, sexual orientation and family structure, so that children can ask questions and receive age-appropriate answers. This open dialogue helps create a safe and inclusive environment, both at home and at school, where every child feels accepted and valued.
1. “Extraterrestrial on par”, by Bianca Pitzorno (1997)
In this illustrated novel for children we follow the story of Mo, a boy or girl from the planet Deb who arrived on earth. In fact, Denebians do not discover their sex before the age of twenty; this creates many difficulties on our planet, where being male or female determines many aspects of life, from an early age. A book from 1997, early in grasping the importance of a discussion on gender stereotypes and on how they have consequences for everyone, without distinction, and therefore also for the queer community.
2. “Rebel Colors”, by Antonella Milardi (2018)
Pink and light blue, fed up with their monotonous life, decide to switch sides: this creates great upheaval for men and women, accustomed as they are to gender and color distinctions. All the greatest authorities, from scientists to law enforcement, are mobilizing to put the colors back in their place, the right one. But is there really one?
3. “Piccolo uovo”, by Francesca Pardi and Altan
A small egg exists, but it does not yet know where it will be born; before opening up and discovering what his family will betakes a journey to discover the beauties of all the families that exist in the world.
4. “The planet of mismatched socks”, by La Pina and Irene Frigo
Pina, famous Radio Deejay speaker, wrote this book for children where the metaphor of mismatched socks that don’t necessarily have to “match” in the traditional way becomes a story on diversity and homosexual couples. Irene Frigo’s illustrations then make everything more magical.
5. “What is dad’s secret?”, by Francesca Pardi and Desideria Gucciardini
Dad has a secret. And what could be so terrible that it must remain so? A story with a happy ending about two children who, following the separation of their parents, meet their father’s new partner and deal with the way society and their schoolmates see homosexuality and they talk about it.
6. “There is only one mother”, by Isabella Paglia Francesca Cavallaro
What is a mom? There are many ways to be one, and this illustrated book tells the story the different ways in which one can become, and be, a mother: from natural conception to test tube conception, up to adoption
7. “Fabulous Families”, by Francesco Maddaloni and Guido Radaelli
The adventures of seven animal families, as in Aesop’s best fables, inspired by true events. All illustrated for children and to convey to them a very simple message: every family is a family regardless of the number of parents and their genderbut also by their culture, skin color or origin.
8. “In Zaff’s shoes”, by Manuela Salvi and Francesca Cavallaro
Sexual identity and discrimination are the main themes addressed by the author and the illustrator, who gave life to Zaff, a male who wants to “be a princess”, even though he could be a king, mechanic, footballer, engineer…
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