LGBT+ Icons to Talk to (& Teach) Your Children About During LGBT+ History Month

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It’s LGBT History month in the UK and it’s time to think about talking to our children about the most amazing LGBT people in history. It’s so important to talk to your children about LGBT issues, but we should also use icons and people throughout history to illustrate the struggles and punishment they faced.

Looking back, and at the present day, allows us to realise that the fight for equality is far from over, but we have more allies and more of a community than ever before. If we can teach our children about diversity, inclusion and simple kindness, then the future can be a brighter place…

LGBTQ+ Icons to Talk to (& Teach) Your Children About

Frida Kahlo

Frida’s story is just bittersweet, and there are so many resources out there for you to choose from. The collection of Little People, Big Dreams includes a Frida Kahlo book, and it’s adorable. It’s really child-friendly, and you could then move on to other books or simply discuss the concept of ‘bisexuality’ if your child is ready. We love to re-create her art and look at her paintings, because not only does she symbolise being ‘true to yourself’, but her story is also incredibly heartbreaking. Everyone should know Frida…

Alan Turing

Alan Turing’s story is another heart-breaker. He was incredibly gifted, and helped Britain crack enemy codes during World War II. With his work on cracking the Enigma Code, it’s suggested that the war was shortened by several years…

BUT, despite his work, despite his gifts, he was punished for being gay (it was illegal during this time) and, to avoid prison, he accepted chemical castration. In 1954 he was found dead from cyanide poisoning, but the truth of whether this was suicide or not is still hazy. Now, we’re not saying your children need to know the nitty gritty of the details, but learning about him and how gifted he was, yet how badly treated he was, is core to teaching children acceptance and understanding of diversity and sexuality.

You can check out a child-friendly book about Alan Turing here.

Rufus Wainwright

Rufus is the most talented of folk, and I for one cannot get enough of his music. His life story is fascinating, but more than that, he is fascinating, talented, and a joy to see perform. He has shown that, despite adversity, you can follow your dreams and be who you truly are…

Kristen Stewart

After seeing Kristen as Joan Jett in The Runaways, I can honestly say I’m a huge fan. She has a tonne of talent, but has spent a lot of her Hollywood life being hounded to answer questions about her sexuality. She eventually ‘came out’ as bisexual, but this shouldn’t matter one jot when it comes to her work and her talent, should it?! I’d probably suggest Kristin’s films for teens as opposed to younger kids, it could start a nice dialogue on the issues of invading privacy and the importance of equality.

Jazz Jennings

Jazz is the most inspiring woman (we’re so used to seeing her as a young girl in the book we read with the kids!), allowing the world to follow her journey, her transition, and allowing children and adults alike to see how beautiful her story was, and is. Her story was one of the first we ever read, so it’s super child-friendly and incredibly sweet. You can buy Jazz Jenning’s book here.

Oscar Wilde

If you haven’t seen Stephen Fry as Oscar Wilde, where have you been?! But, seriously, check out… Oscar Wilde was a writer, who produced books including The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. He was taken to court and accused of ‘being gay’ (which sounds so bizarre, doesn’t it?!) where he was sentenced to 2 years of hard labour. I mean, even just typing that makes my blood boil. However, instead of getting angry, I’m choosing to educate. We want our children to see people for who they are without comparison or judgement, and we can only do this through telling stories and talking openly and honestly (and age appropriately, of course).

Nikkie Tutorials

Nikkie recently came out as transgender. After being pushed to ‘come out’, she created this gorgeous and emotional video. Her raw honesty is beautiful, but the fact that she felt she had to do this (before someone else did) points to the big issues within this world. Despite this, her video is full of heart and emotion, and seeing her liberation immortalised in video is very special indeed.

Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha P. Johnson is dubbed ‘the Rosa Parks of the LGBT community’, yet why isn’t the world more aware of her?! She lived in a time when same sex dancing in public was banned, so it was never going to be a great time for the LGBT community. One night there was a police raid at the Stonewall Inn and Marsha (along with her friend Sylvia Rivera) resisted arrest. This was a historical moment, paving the way for the LGBT community!

David Bowie

Well, what can I say?! Bowie is well known in this house, and although we don’t bang on about his gender fluid presence (or his sexuality), we sure do have a great time dancing to his music!

We recently watched Troop Zero, and the young boy in the film is basically a young Bowie! He is flamboyant, doesn’t fit into gender ‘norms’ (whatever they are!) and he explores various ways of dressing, forms of play and, quite simply, is himself! It’s a must-watch movie, just remember the tissues!

When it comes to Bowie, checking out his music, talking about his style, and reading one of the many children’s books out there can open your children’s minds up to so much wonder!

We loved this book for the children, but remember, he didn’t have two different coloured eyes 😉

Matthew Bourne

Wow, what can I say? Matthew Bourne is a wonder, and I’ll never forget seeing Romeo & Juliet and Cinderella, such breathtaking performances that will have a special palce in my heart for all eternity. When it comes to Matthew Bourne, I think his attitude towards switching up gender, and creating a male Swan Lake, is just wonderful. What better way to break gender barriers and show the world a different viewpoint?

You can find out more about Matthew here.

Freddie Mercury

Who doesn’t adore Freddie Mercury?! His music is out of this world and his presence was explosive and unique. His life came to a tragic end in 1991, but his voice and icon status has grown over the many years that followed. George adores Queen, and Freddie’s personal life is part of the colourful history and legend we all still miss. Celebrating his life is key to encouraging children to be who they are, to stand strong even when you don’t fit in. Again, we don’t always need to focus on sexuality or the tragic side whilst children are young, but instead celebrate and enjoy the positives of Freddie’s legacy…

We hope you’ve found this little guide useful, and if you want to add your own icons to the comments, please do!

You can find lots of book recommendations below, so happy shopping!