June is Pride Month, commemorated the same month the Stonewall riots took place in 1969. The Stonewall uprising is credited with launching the movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ Americans.
In more recent years, Pride Month celebrations include things like large pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, and concerts and is marked around the world. Here are some local Pride events happening in our area:
Lawrence Pride Parade & Party in Lawrence on June 3rd.
Kansas City Pride Parade & Festival at Theis Park June 9th through June 11th.
2023 Gardner Pride WALK & Celebration at Warren Park on June 18th.
Books are a great way to launch a discussion at home about acceptance, understanding, and empathy with your kids along with LGBTQ rights and what it means to be an ally. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) offers these LGBTQ literature recommendations for children and young adults:
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Hurricane Child
By Kacen Callender
From the ADL: Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and twelve-year-old Caroline, who lives on Water Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has had her share of bad luck lately. But when a new student arrives, Caroline believes her luck is turning around.
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When Aidan Became a Brother
By Kyle Lukoff
From the ADL: When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. After he realized he was a boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of his life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life. Then Mom and Dad announced they're going to have another baby and Aidan wants to do everything he can to make things right for his new sibling from the beginning.
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Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
By Rob Sanders
From the ADL: Learn about the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world.
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Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World
By Ashley Herring Blake
From the ADL: When a tornado rips through town, Ivy Aberdeen's house is destroyed and her family displaced. Ivy feels invisible and ignored in the aftermath of the storm—and what's worse, her notebook filled with secret drawings of girls holding hands has gone missing.
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The Best Man
By Richard Peck
From the ADL: The book recounts Archer Magill's span from first grade to sixth, navigating family ties, school, bullying, homophobia, death, and marriage. Educator and Parent/Family Discussion Guides are available.
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Melissa
By Alex Gino
From the ADL: When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.
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Gracefully Grayson
By Ami Polonsky
From the ADL: Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: "he" is a girl on the inside.
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Stella Brings the Family
By Miriam Schiffer
From the ADL: Stella's class is having a Mother's Day celebration, but what's a girl with two Daddies to do?
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Jacob's New Dress
By Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman
From the ADL: This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles and promises to spark discussions of gender, identity, and self-confidence.
Looking for more resources? The ADL's LGBTQ Pride Month and Education Resources page includes lesson plans and blog suggestions for families and educators.
Kara Murphy is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa.
