Project Newsletter

SLOGAN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Issue 22

Children, Teens, and Family Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Child

READ WITH LOVE

There’s Not Enough LGBTQIA+ Representation in Children’s Entertainment Media by Stephanie Santiful

Can you name five Disney princesses and the princes they lived happily ever after with? What about a Disney princess who gets a happily ever after with another princess? It’s not only difficult to name a Disney princess that gets the girl instead of the guy, it’s impossible. With Disney rolling out mesmerizing characters for decades, it makes us wonder why there has never been a single lesbian or bisexual princess, let alone a transgender one. Some Disney characters, Elsa from the popular hit movie Frozen, Merida from the movie Brave, and Moana do not end up with a man or boy they fall madly in love with. Or anyone else for that matter. While it is great to show children (and teens) that they do not have to end up in a relationship. Why not take it a step further? Why not show them that that LGBTQIA+ people exist by revealing exciting and wellrounded characters as members of the LGBTQIA+ community? Book publishing and libraries are working hard to do their part to supply the community with more books for children and teen that feature LGBTQIA+ characters. Unfortunately, there is a limit to what we can

do when it comes to television and movies. Did you know that the recently released, Love, Simon movie is one of the first (if not the first) mainstream teen movie to feature a main character who identifies as gay? There have been movies and/or shows which have appeared on Netflix about LGBTQIA+ teens, but if one does not have access to Netflix, they are unable to see these films and/or shows. While there have been few cartoons, such as Steven Universe, Clarence, and Adventure Time, for example, that have featured LGBTQIA+ characters, the main characters are often revealed as members of the LGBTQIA+ community on the last episode as the series is ending. Otherwise, the LGBTQIA+ character is a supporting character. Regardless of how they identify, children and teens deserve to see LGBTQIA+ characters in all forms of entertainment media. LGBTQIA+ youth who see themselves reflected in the media will realize that they are not alone. Non-LGBTQIA+ children and teens who see LGBTQIA+ characters on television and in films will learn about tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion.

LGBTQIA BOOK ALERT

Hurricane Child by 09/29/2018 Kheryn Callender Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and twelve-year-old Caroline has had her share of bad luck lately.

She's hated and bullied by everyone in her small school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, a spirit only she can see won't stop following her, and — worst of all -- Caroline's mother left home one day and never came back. But when a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, becomes Caroline's first and only friend — and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush. Now, Caroline must find the strength to confront her feelings for Kalinda, brave the spirit stalking her through the islands, and face the reason her mother abandoned her. Together, Caroline and Kalinda must set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother — before Caroline loses her forever.

CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD | Issue 22

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6 Reasons Why It’s Important that Both You and Your Child Watch Movies & TV Shows that Feature LGBTQIA+ Characters by Stephanie Santiful

Some millennials will tell you that the slow adapting inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters in children’s entertainment media has been happening for years. Characters such as Mr. Simmons from Hey Arnold or Him from the PowerPuff girls definitely didn’t seem to fit the stereotypical male gender role. However, what these same individuals fail to point out is that neither show ever confirmed either character as being LGBTQIA+ characters. The same can be said for Bug Bunny’s lack of hesitation to put on a dress and wig and slap a big kiss on to Elmer Fudd, or even Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie who remain adamant that Bert and Ernie are only good friends (even when the original puppeteers have stated that they played the characters as being in a relationship). Without explicitly stating or demonstrating that a character is LGBTQIA+, content creators continue to damage children and teens that may identify as such, but fail to see themselves reflected in everyday society. This is why it is not only important that children and teens watch movies and television shows that feature LGBTQIA characters, it is equally as important that you watch with them. Below are six reasons why.

Supports Representation Representation matters. The United States is a melting pot of different races, cultures, and people of varying sexual identifies and genders. If your child only watches television shows and movies that follow the same hetero normative status quo, they will believe this is what represents the United States. Worse, if your child identifies as LGBTQIA+ and only watches

shows about heterosexual characters, they may start to question themselves and how they identify. This can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Builds Trust Watching television and movies that feature LGBTQIA+ characters with your child helps to build trust. LGBTQIA+ or not, children and teen often see how mistreated those in the LGBTQIA+ community are. You being willing to watch these shows with a positive frame of mind lets your child know that they can be comfortable talking to you about sensitive topics. If your child witnesses you watching these shows without being judgmental, chances are, they will feel more comfortable coming to you about the same or similar topics.

Teaches Tolerance and Acceptance With members of the LGBTQIA+ community often being insulted and joked about in on television, film, and the Internet, children and teen may start to believe that mistreating LGBTQIA+ is what is expected of them. Watching movies and television shows which feature LGBTQIA+ characters in a positive light teaches children and teens both acceptance and tolerance. Children, especially younger children, If they see that you engaging in the hurtful activity of insulting LGBTQIA+ individuals, chances are they will do the same. This is why it is important to lead by example.

Helps Self-Identify Watching television shows and movies that feature LGBTQIA+ can help both you and your child self-identify. Some children, teens, and even adults may not realize that they may not be cisgender or heterosexual. Seeing a character experiencing the same thing(s) you are currently going through can help you realize who you are. For example, when they were younger, author, Kheryn Callender, realized that they were gender queer after watching an episode of Degrassi. Many LGBTQIA+ adults have stated that they didn’t realize they were a part of the LGBTQIA+ community until well into their adult years.

Encourages Self-Acceptance Children and teens often have a difficult time accepting themselves. Bullying and feeling inadequate compared to one’s peers makes things hard enough as it is for today’s youth. This means that LGBTQIA+ youth have those some problems in addition to others. Watching television and movies that feature LGBTQIA+ characters that are cast in a positive light can be a lifeline for them. Best of all, watching these shows and movies with you shows them that you want to help encourage their self-acceptance.

CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD | Issue 22

Not Sure What to Watch Next? Below is a list of television shows and movies that features LGBTQIA+ characters that are 100% confirmed on during the show/movies (and not after the fact).

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CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD | Issue 22

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Steven Universe

CARTOON NETWORK

Features lesbian and gender queer characters

The Loud House

NICKELODEON

Features a gay male couple

CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD | Issue 22

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Adventure Time

CARTOON NETWORK

Features girls involved in a lesbian relationship (though it isn’t confirmed until the last episode)

Love, Simon

20th CENTURY FOX

Features a gay male protagonist

CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD | Issue 22

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CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD | Issue 22

Alex, Strangelove NETFLIX Features a bisexual male protagonist

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