June is Pride month. It is celebrated each year to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Don’t know much about Pride or why it is important? Check out these websites, books, and ideas for celebrating … even with your youngest kiddos!
Websites to explore with your child
- National Today: Learn about the history, traditions, and more surrounding Pride month.
- Nickelodeon Parents: This site helps you explain the meaning of all the different colors in the rainbow flag to your child.
- Blue’s Clues PRIDE Parade: This exciting Blue’s Clues video showcases all types of families in a fun, colorful parade!
Books to read with your child
(Plus activities to go along with each book!)
And Tango Makes Three
By Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
This is the true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo, Roy and Silo, who are a little different than the other penguins. With the help of a kind zookeeper, Roy and Silo are given a baby penguin and create a special family all their own.
Activities: After reading this book with your children, try some penguin-themed activities. Take a trip to the zoo. Try waddling like a penguin. Use a ball like an egg and see if you can transfer it to your child by only using your feet. You can even dive in and learn more about penguins by watching a nature show.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
By Rob Sanders
This book tells the story of social activist Harvey Milk, and how he helped with the creation of the Gay Pride flag. You’ll learn how Harvey worked with designer Gilbert Baker to bring about the colorful rainbow flag in 1978, and will then follow the flag’s journey in this touching true story.
Activities: After reading this book, you can do all.the.rainbow.crafts! Two of my favorites are melted crayon art and coffee filter rainbows. For more inspiration, visit Pride Month Coloring Pages from Crayola; 25 Brilliant Rainbow Crafts from WeAreTeachers.
Two Grooms on a Cake: The Story of America’s First Gay Wedding
By Rob Sanders
Told from the viewpoint of two grooms on top of a wedding cake, this book tells the story of Michael McConnell and Jack Baker and how they came to have America’s first gay wedding.
Activities: After reading this book, why not bake a cake? You can also talk about weddings you’ve attended as a family, and what you liked about them. What made each wedding cake special?
A Church for All
By Gayle E Pitman
This short and sweet book is about Glide Church in San Francisco. Glide is a church that accepts all people into its doors, no matter their age, race, color, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Activities: After reading A Church for All, sign your kids up for Vacation Bible School. You can also make a rainbow cross with tissue paper and cardboard.
When Aidan Became a Brother
By Kyle Lukoff
When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl, but he knew he was really a boy. His parents do what they can to make Aidan happy and comfortable in his own skin, and true to who he really is. Then Aidan’s parents tell him they are going to have another baby. Aidan wants to do all he can to make sure everything is right for the new baby, right from the start.
Activity: After reading this heartwarming book, find catalogs and let your child(ren) cut out images to design their dream bedroom.
Other Ideas for Celebrating
- Visit Michaels and load up on Pride-inspired crafts.
- On June 8, the Columbia Fireflies will host Pride Night at Segra Park. Come watch the Fireflies take on the Salem Red Sox in a fun, relaxing environment, where everyone is welcome!
- Check out the activities offered by the Harriet Hancock Center. They provide a safe and welcoming space for South Carolina’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Their main offerings are support and social groups, educational material, and a directory of community resources.
How is your family celebrating Pride month?
