Homonormativity in children’s literature: An intersectional analysis of queer-themed picture books

Effective social justice movements, including those at the level of children's literature, address the ways different forms of oppression intersect and affect the experiences of diverse queer identities. Children's literature can help combat heteronormative discourse by instilling at a young age the inherent value of all people. Inclusive children's literature can help combat socialized aspects of heteronormativity and other forms of oppression. This paper examines 68 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) themed children's books and the ways they reinforce heteronormativity through the nearly exclusive celebration of homonormative, nonthreatening LGBT characters that conform to expected gender roles, have a vested interest parenting, and are White and upper middle class.