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You are here: Home / Books / Books on the History of the Fight for LGBTQ Rights – for Kids

Books on the History of the Fight for LGBTQ Rights – for Kids

June 22, 2020

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Did you know the first Pride parade took place 50 years ago in June, 1970? These picture books about the history of the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights will inform your kids about the important figures and events in the movement for LGBTQIA+ equal rights, as well as teach empathy, kindness and the value of including others.

Collage of lgbtq picture books for kids

We harm our children if we teach them–either with words or actions–that it is okay to otherize people who may not be like ourselves. In addition, LGBTQIA+ youth, and those who have friends and family who identify as such deserve to be valued and to see their stories in books, too. I hope you will share these titles with your children, starting a conversation about how you–and they–can work towards equal rights and acceptance for all.

For more of our children’s book recommendations featuring LGBTQIA+ characters peruse the following book lists:

  • LGBTQIA+ picture books to teach inclusion
  • LGBTQIA+ middle grade and chapter books for ages 8 and up
  • Picture books that challenge gender stereotypes

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

If you choose to purchase books online, you can still support your local bookstore by ordering through Bookshop. For your convenience, you can find this curated list at Bookshop here.

Colorful books standing in a row

LGBTQ Picture Book Biographies

I was disappointed with the dearth of picture book biographies of leaders in the LGBTQ movement but I am hopeful that authors, illustrators publishers will answer the call for more. In the meantime check out these stories of inspiring LGBTQIA+ activists and change-makers.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound |Amazon

This is an excellent picture book biography about Milk, an activist who wanted to make the world a more equal and welcoming place for all people. The narrative focuses on Milk’s relentless dream and message of hope as well as the story of the rainbow flag as an enduring symbol that love is love.


Mayor Pete book cover with face of Pete Buttigieg

Mayor Pete: The Story of Pete Buttigieg

by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Levi Hastings

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound |Amazon

I haven’t read this book yet–it will be released July 2020 and I will update this blurb when I do. It has received positive critical reviews. Your children will enjoy reading about a man whose name they heard in the news recently. Pete Buttigieg, as you know, is the first openly gay man to run for the presidential nomination of a major political party.


Sewing the Rainbow book cover with rainbow flag

Sewing the Rainbow: A Story About Gilbert Baker

by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound |Amazon

This biography follows Gilbert Baker, who grew up loving color and sparkle in the gray landscape of Kansas. His father shunned his pursuits and he became a soldier instead of following his dreams. Eventually he made his way to San Francisco and came up with the idea for the rainbow flag after talking with Harvey Milk (see above biography). Pitman emphasizes the importance of not suppressing one’s “colorful, sparkly, glittery self,” even if others disapprove. An author’s not explains the flag’s connection to the gay rights movement.


book cover showing woman looking in mirror and seeing a man

Were I Not a Girl: The Inspiring and True Story of Dr. James Barry

by Lisa Robinson, illustrated by Lauren Simkin Berke

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

I haven’t read this book yet–it will be released October 2020 and I will update this blurb when I do. This is a picture book biography about James Barry, who was born Margaret Bulkley in 19th century England. After “Margaret” realized he was James, he went to medical school and became a doctor and soldier.


General LGBTQ History for Kids

Rather than focusing on a specific individual, the following titles offer up perspective on events and look at LGBTQIA+ history as well as the present state of the movement for equality.

Stonewall picture book cover showing sign and fists in the air

Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution

by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Jamey Christoph

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound |Amazon

Sanders’ history of Stonewall’s role in the gay rights movement is narrated by Stonewall Inn itself! It’s a fun literary conceit and begins with the erection of the inn in the 19th century. Stonewall Inn goes on to explain the significance of the evens of June 28, 1969 and the events that followed. I think this is a great book book for a read aloud, but could do a better job of including the non-cisgender and BIPOC communities. Includes endnotes.


This Day in June book cover showing Pride celebration

This Day in June

by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

This is a short, sweet and joyful look at the Pride parade and celebration that happens every June for Pride Month.  The rhyming text makes it perfect for preschoolers and an endnote gives further information as well as helpful advice for talking to young children about LGBTQIA+ issues.


Pride nonfiction book for middle school featuring photos of pride parade

Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community

by Robin Stevenson

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound |Amazon

With its colorful photographs and informative text, Stevenson’s book is a good choice for middle schoolers. Stevenson covers not just the Pride parade but many different aspects of Pride, the movement for equal rights, real stories of teens who “came out,” and includes a diverse population within the LGBTQIA+ community.


Gay and Lesbian History for Kids book cover featuring photographs of gay rights activists

Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights

by Jerome Pohlen

Find it: Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

This is another good choice for sharing the LGBTQ historical and current movements with middle schoolers and teens. Kids will be introduced to new and fascinating individuals. Pohlen includes activities that readers can do to enhance their understanding of the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights such as write a free-verse poem or ask an adult about their own experiences with boycotts and protests.


Don’t forget about our other related book lists!

  • LGBTQIA+ picture books to teach inclusion
  • LGBTQIA+ middle grade and chapter books for ages 8 and up
  • Picture books that challenge gender stereotypes
  • Picture books about all kinds of families!
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