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Erasing someone's identity isn't ok
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Hi Reader, They say you should never meet your heroes. So far for me, that hasn't been true, especially not when I got to meet Mychal Threets earlier this month. Mychal went viral a couple years ago for his heartfelt videos about library kids and how everyone belongs at the library. He's also honest and empathetic about his own struggles with mental health. And he speaks up for kids in Gaza. And he was homeschooled. So you can see why I was so thrilled to meet him! Plus, I not only got to meet him, but we even got to sit at the same table for breakfast at the conference I was at. He is just as positive and kind in real life as he is on social. Talking with him was the highlight of my month! At that same conference, I also attended a great workshop by Joshua Jernigan called "Wait, They're Gay?" His work inspired my newest blog post Avoiding Queer Erasure in History Lessons and Children's Books. Joshua shared the all-too-common problem of history lessons and children's books that quietly omit any information indiciating that a historical leader was Queer. His workshop got me thinking about how especially in children's picture books, biographies often leave out that an artist, politician, or movement leader was LGBTQ. I read a LOT of children's history books, so I know the common pattern. Tell the leader's life beginning in childhood, connecting it with their work as an adult. Share when they met their spouse and how that person supported them. Talk about their most important accomplishments and how they impacted the world. But when it comes to leaders who were LGBTQ, any information about life-long partners or the person's Queerness is usually omitted. All the parts of a person's identity and story need to be included. When we suppress information about LGBTQ people from our history lessons, it also contributes to kids in LGBTQ families feeling isolated. At a time when Queer and Trans young people are increasingly under political attack, adults who care should do everything we can to support them, including sharing accurate history.
Happy learning, Rebekah Rebekah Gienapp (she/her/hers) | rebekahgienapp.com | Connect on Instagram | Coffees for Gaza | |
Raising antiracist kids
Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator who wants to help children become brave justice seekers? Subscribe for practical tips, children's book recommendations, and resources for antiracist families and classrooms.
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