Top 8 LGBTQ+ children and teen's books and TV series to educate and celebrate
Date published
19 June 2023
19 June 2023
At Nexus Fostering, we are passionate about creating a space where children and young people feel safe exploring their sexuality and gender identity. We understand that a sense of safety and belonging can significantly impact long-term mental wellbeing and we advocate for increasing positive views about the LGBTQIA+ community.
We encourage foster carers and birth parents to offer a space in their home for honest, open, and positive conversations about sexuality and gender identity with their children and young people.
The representation of LGBTQIA+ within the media has boomed over recent years, playing a key role in advocating for the community and also encouraging heterosexual children and young people to learn about equality.
With the increase in LGBTQ+ inclusive books & TV series being available, we thought we would share with you some of those we've found most useful and inclusive:
Tales From Beyond the Rainbow by Pete Jordi Wood
"From the humble sailor who finds his handsome prince to the transgender market girl who becomes queen, from Europe to Asia via the African savannah, LGBTQ+ folklore researcher Pete Jordi Wood has combed through generations of history and adapted ten unforgettable stories, each illustrated by an artist who shares heritage with the culture from which the stories were born."
Recommended reading age: 9-12 years old
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
"There’s one thing that makes a family a family…
Discover the importance of family, whether you have two mums, two dads, one parent or one of each."
Recommended reading age: 1-9 years old
I'm Not a Girl: A Transgender Story by Maddox Lyons
"Based on a true transgender identity journey, the picture book I'm Not a Girl is an empowering story from writers Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi about a boy who is determined to be himself, illustrated by Dana Simpson."
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years old
Heartstopper - Netflix
"An uplifting LGBTQ+ drama about teen friendship and young romance is based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman. Teens Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age series. "
Viewing age: 12+
Dead End: Paranormal Park - Netflix
"Based on the "DeadEndia" graphic novels by Hamish Steele." The series is very inclusive and has representation for transsexuals, bisexuals, non-binary and more.
Viewing age: PG
Owl House - Disney+
"The Owl House on Disney+ has been given praise for its LGBTQ+ representation. It features two same-sex characters in lead roles in a relationship."
Viewing age: 9+
Love, Victor - Disney+
"The series follows Victor, a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation. When it all seems too much, he reaches out to Simon to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school."
Viewing age: 14+
Queer, There, and Everywhere by Sarah Prager
"Queer author and activist Sarah Prager delves deep into the lives of 23 people who fought, created, and loved on their own terms. From high-profile figures like Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt to the trailblazing gender-ambiguous Queen of Sweden and a bisexual blues singer who didn’t make it into your history books, these astonishing true stories uncover a rich queer heritage that encompasses every culture, in every era."
Recommended reading age: 13 - 17 years old
News
19 June 2023
