Gay-friendly books can make a positive difference in the classroom: Gay or transgender children or children from same-sex parent families, feel they are included, and other children learn about and gain respect and acceptance for others.

This literature contributes to the validation of many young children’s lives, and promotes understanding and acceptance. In addition, we have a number of books which focus on transgender or gender-creative young children and the ways in which they express themselves. Young children from same-sex parent families can recognize themselves, and all are encouraged to talk about the commonalities of happy family lives. The two moms or dads are referred to as parents, and sometimes they are portrayed showing outward signs of affection, such as one having an arm around the other’s shoulder. Some children will feel confirmed and others will learn about families different from their own. The next step is for programs and schools to choose a wider range of materials that portray children from all family configurations, including those having gay and lesbian and transgender parents. “Today, most early childhood programs and elementary schools offer a wide array of multicultural and multiracial books so that children can see themselves as well as learn about others. With Professor Rowell's help, the Library has been able to collect and preserve this extensive, historical collection of gay-friendly picture books for young children. Adams Library is proud to be the home of the LGT–Friendly Children’s Book Collection.

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