Why Children's Books Include Gay Characters

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: why do children's books feature gay characters? Some parents might question whether straight characters are sufficient for their kids. However, including diverse character representations, including gay characters, can enrich the reading experience and provide valuable educational benefits.

Reflecting Reality in Children's Literature

Children's books often aim to reflect the real world. It's a fact that there are gay people in the world, and simply because something makes some adults uncomfortable does not mean it should be excluded from literature for children. These characters do not need to 'serve a purpose' more than any other character, whether straight or of a different race, ethnicity, or physical ability. If the first thought upon seeing a gay character is about sex, then that thought is personal and certainly not representative of a child's initial perception.

Discovering Diversity

Most gay characters in children's books are not portrayed with a focus on their sexual relationships. In my experience, these portrayals often involve gentle, tender moments such as kissing and physical affection, without any mention of genitalia at all. Any mention of sexual activity, whether it be between gay or straight characters, should typically be reserved for books appropriate for mature audiences. The real benefit lies in making children aware that the world is full of diverse people, including those who identify as LGBTQ . This early exposure can help foster an understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Preventing Confusion

Children naturally experience confusion about many things, including the weather, school, emotions, and even basic arithmetic. So, why should parents be concerned about their children meeting gay people? The best way to prevent confusion is to let children know that gay people exist, and that these individuals have the capacity for the same joys, challenges, and relationships as everyone else.

Supporting LGBTQ Youth

For children who have started to develop feelings around puberty or later, having characters who are gay or lesbian in books can mean a lot, especially if the child is not yet comfortable expressing these feelings to their parents. Books can serve as a validation and a means for these children to feel heard and understood. Encouraging such diverse representation in literature can help these young people feel more comfortable and supported as they navigate their own identities.

Addressing Parental Concerns

Parents likely have valid concerns about the content in books and movies that their children are exposed to. Some might balk at the portrayal of unsavory characters, bullying, or other elements they consider inappropriate. Books by Mark Twain, while rich with profound societal critiques, have sometimes faced bans for language. Meanwhile, other books like To Kill a Mockingbird and even religious texts have been banned for various reasons. It seems that the real issue might not be what should be banned but rather what is currently being read and enjoyed by children.

It's important for parents to have open, honest conversations with their children about the books and media they consume. This might seem like a daunting task, but it can be a valuable opportunity for both parents and children to learn from each other and to foster a more nuanced understanding of the world. If a child comes out as gay, the best approach is to support them and to provide a safe, loving environment where they can express themselves freely.

In the end, the goal should be to raise children who feel comfortable, supported, and who can confidently navigate their own identities and worldviews. So, rather than looking at diverse representation as a problem, parents should see it as a tool to help their children grow into empathetic, understanding individuals.