LGBTQIA+ Learning Resources

From wearing rainbow socks to having discussions about how some families have two daddies or two mommies, there are many ways to help your kids understand sexuality and inclusivity in an age-appropriate way. We’ve compiled a list of resources that will help your family learn more about how to be true allies to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Drag Queen Story Hour – Drag queens read stories to children in bookshops, schools, and libraries to inspire a love of reading while also teaching important lessons about diversity, self-love, and respect for others. Follow them on instagram for updates. Lots of activities in NYC.

It Gets Better Project – This is a wonderful resource that has over 70,000 stories shared by a wide array of people about their experiences being in or supporting the LGTBQ community. Young people sharing their stories (in their own words) will be particularly poignant for kids.

The Trevor Project – This nationwide nonprofit operates a 24-hour toll-free hotline with trained counselors for suicidal LGBTQ+ youth.

Resources for Gender Identity & Autism – This resource highlights research about gender identity, dysphoria, and diversity in neurodivergent individuals as well as information on support groups for those with autism spectrum disorder and gender identity diversity.

A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sarah O’Leary – When a teacher asks her students to explain why their families are unique, they discover everyone’s family is special — from the student raised by a grandparent to the student raised by two dads.

Be More Bernard by Simon Philip – This is a lovely book about being who you want to be. Bernard (a bunny) learns that he doesn’t have to be like everyone else.

It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Thereas Thorn – This picture book introduces kids to important terms like transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender to help them understand more about their identity.

It’s OK To Be Different by Todd Parr – This book is great for little ones and not only promotes the idea that it’s okay to be different but also explains that asking for help and talking about your feelings when it comes to differences is the best thing to do.

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love – A really sweet book about a little boy who dreams of being a mermaid and gets his wishes answered by his grandmother.

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer – When Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day Party, she doesn’t have anyone to bring since she has two dads. She decides to bring both of them, and quickly learns each family is special and unique.

Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders – This picture book outlines the story of an important moment in the gay rights movement.

Queer Kid Stuff – A YouTube channel with videos that teach young kids age-appropriate and positive lessons about the LGBTQ+ community.

History of the Rainbow Flag for Kids Video – This informative, easy-to-follow video uses colorful cartoons and graphics to outline the history of the rainbow flag in a way that kids can easily grasp.

The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag – Ms. Linda reads a heartfelt true story about the rainbow flag, from the beginnings with designer Gilbert Baker and activist Harvey Milk to its present role. 

Pride Coloring Book – Dr. Ron Holt’s coloring book is filled with 39 designs with beautiful quotes to remind kids and adults alike that they are special and accepted just the way they are.