LGBT Inclusion in Children's Literature
When LGBT children’s literature was first introduced, two moms or two dads were represented as being the typical LGBT family, doing traditional family-style activities. The family dynamic has changed significantly over time, and today’s LBGT family might look quite differently: single moms, single dads, aunts, and uncles raising kids, grandparents, adopted and foster families are all widely seen now. Most data available to youth is in middle school and high school, and any inclusive idea is if you introduce the concept of the various family dynamics early on when children get to those later grades, it’s no big deal. Just a family. Their family! Amanda and Vickie chat with special guest Wendy Evans, concerning a project very close to her heart. Please listen in!
Wendy Evans is the Inclusion Director at A Child’s Place in Costa Mesa, an early childcare center. Wendy’s passion project is bringing more representation of LGBT children’s literature and LGBT 101 Training to early childhood centers. She is the liaison between the LGBT Center in Orange County and the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children.
Show Highlights:
- The goal of LGBT early education is family representation and does not focus on safe sex or HIV.
- National Association of the Education of Young Children: their code of ethics is not participating in things that will harm children.
- By not bringing up LGBT families and discussing their world, you’re in effect harming them, and saying something is wrong with their family.
- The Rainbow and Human Rights Campaign are universal signs of LGBT-friendly and safe spaces where one might “out” themselves.
- LGBT 101 Training: LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. Sometimes there will be a letter “Q” at the end, which stands for Queer, or Questioning.
- “Queer” used to be a derogatory term, but the youth have given it a new meaning.
- Getting caught up in labels.
- Amanda, Vickie, and Wendy discuss transgenderism in children.
- In some locations, teachers can be fired if they are part of the LGBT community.
- Considering changing “Mom” and “Dad” on intake forms to “Parent 1” and “Parent 2”
- The early childcare curriculum has the backing of the California Preschool Foundation
Links/Resources:
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You’re Invited!
Trans Pride 2019 - July 27th from11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Downtown Santa Ana at The Center on Fourth
For more information: https://www.lgbtcenteroc.org/event/trans-pride-2019/
Email Wendi Evans: