Pride Month always brings a mix of feelings for me—hope, resistance, celebration, exhaustion . . . and even some fear. But now that I’m raising a kiddo as a queer, nonbinary, pansexual, polyamorous parent, Pride has taken on new meaning (and when I say “Pride,” I don’t mean June–I mean living life as a queer person). Pride is not just about being visible or protesting. It’s about planting seeds of acceptance, empathy, and joy in the next generation.
Whether you’re a queer parent like me, part of a beautifully blended or chosen family, or just trying to raise inclusive, loving little humans, here’s a list of books, shows, and movies that help normalize queer families and gender diversity in a gentle, joyful way. These aren’t “issue” stories—they’re full of heart, humor, and characters who reflect the world we want to build.
Books That Celebrate Queer Families + Identities
For Littles (0–5 years)
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
The true story of two male penguins raising a chick in the Central Park Zoo—an adorable, non-human entry point to family diversity.
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
A gorgeously illustrated tale of gender expression and familial love, centered around a young Afro-Latinx boy who dreams of being a mermaid.
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
Bright and colorful, this board book highlights all kinds of family structures with a simple, affirming message: love is what makes a family.
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour
A tender story about a girl missing one of her moms while she’s away on a work trip. Relatable and affirming, especially for two-mom families.
Pringle and Finn by Paul Castle
A gentle, whimsical story of chosen family, featuring animal characters and inspired by the author’s own queer parenting experience.
For Early Elementary (5–8 years)
The Family Book by Todd Parr
A simple but powerful affirmation of many types of families, with bold illustrations and inclusive language.
Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton
Teddy transitions and her friend supports her—great for introducing kids to gender identity and trans joy.
My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal
Co-written by a Black trans girl and her mother, this loving story celebrates creativity, gender identity, and unconditional parental support.
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
Stella has two dads and wonders who to bring to the Mother’s Day party—this book handles the question with warmth, humor, and care.
What Are Your Words? by Katherine Locke
A thoughtful book that introduces pronouns and the idea that it’s okay for identity to evolve over time.
For Tweens (9–12 years)
The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy
A heartfelt coming-of-age story about a gay Indian-American boy navigating middle school, anxiety, and finding his place.
Melissa by Alex Gino
A quiet but powerful story about a trans girl claiming her identity and voice.
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
A ghost story layered with a deeply moving exploration of gender identity and family.
Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker
A trans girl, a mystery to solve, and a diverse cast of queer and trans characters—full of heart and hope.
TV Shows That Normalize Queerness
Bluey (3+ years)
Queer characters are included casually as a part of Bluey’s world—something rarely seen in preschool shows of this caliber.
Ridley Jones (3-7 years)
Features Fred, a nonbinary bison character, in a loving and matter-of-fact way.
Steven Universe (8+ years)
Rich in queer representation and themes of chosen family, love, and identity—all wrapped in action, magic, and music.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (8+ years)
Queer love stories and gender-diverse characters take center stage in this reboot.
Heartstopper (12+ years)
A sweet, affirming British series that follows the blossoming romance between two teen boys, surrounded by queer friends and family. (Also–amazing book series too!)
Movies That Uplift Queer Joy + Families
Elemental (PG, Disney+)
While not overtly queer, it gently challenges ideas of tradition, identity, and relationships—and many queer parents have seen reflections of their families in it.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (PG, Netflix)
A quirky, action-packed family film with a queer teen daughter–her identity is celebrated with zero fanfare.
Nimona (PG, Netflix)
Features a gender-nonconforming main character and a queer love story between two knights (men), all set in a fantasy world.
Out (PG, Disney+)
A short animated film about a gay man coming out to his parents that is sweet, funny, and touching.
Everyday Magic: Inclusive Language + Actions That Matter
You don’t have to wait for a book or show to create queer-affirming moments. Magic happens in everyday language and play. Here are a few easy shifts:
- Use gender-neutral language when talking to or about people whose pronouns or identities you don’t know. “They/them” is a great default until someone shares their pronouns.
- Ask about “your grown-ups” or “your family” instead of “mom and dad.” It makes space for all kinds of families.
- Name queerness in play. When I had my daughter’s dolls have a lesbian wedding, she didn’t blink twice—because in our home, that’s just love. Let kids see queerness as a normal part of the world.
- Model curiosity and respect. If your child uses new pronouns for a classmate, follow their lead. Show them that change can be beautiful.
- Celebrate the diversity in your own circles. Share your love for queer friends, family, and public figures—representation in your real life matters just as much as media.
Why This Matters
Kids are always watching—what we say, what we read, what we show them. They’re learning who matters, who belongs, and what love looks like. In a time when LGBTQ+ books are being banned and queer families are under attack, simply existing with joy and openness is resistance.
Sharing these stories with our kids is one way to say, “You’re safe. You’re loved. And families come in infinite, beautiful shapes.” So read the books, watch the shows, and celebrate the everyday magic of being your full, fabulous self. Have a favorite queer-inclusive book, movie, or show your family loves? Drop it in the comments or DM me—I’m always looking to expand our rainbow bookshelf.
