Starting LGBTQIA+ Conversations at the Library

Books have always been a part of my identity. They have allowed me to explore my queer identity as an adult, and I have fond memories of reading during the school holidays and

visiting the library as a kid. Now I’m a library assistant. I’m surrounded by books all day and, unlike when I was younger, I get to be out and proud about who I am. Here I want to tell you

how, with help from Pop’n’Olly, I’ve been working to make our library welcoming to LGBTQIA+ kids and families.

The first step was, of course, putting up a display for Pride month. This year I got creative and made our display interactive. I also put up a load of trans bunting which I made using the Pop’n’Olly printout. Being visually supportive is so important! I already wear my pride and pronoun pins on my lanyard, and keep our LGBTQIA+ noticeboard up to date, but clearly doing things that say, “You are safe here” and “we celebrate you” really makes a big difference.

“I thought the display was innovative and welcoming” – Library User

“I think all the trans flags are a wonderful touch given the increase in anti-trans rhetoric in recent years. Sometimes the best way to be an ally is to yell louder than the bigots”

– Library Assistant

“Seeing LGBTQIA+ books and resources openly on display helps me to address my feelings of internalised shame [and having access to] books about my identity help me to find out more about who I am” – Library User

So, the display and bunting were up, but I wasn’t going to stop there! I wanted to start conversations about identities and treating everyone equally with the children and families visiting our Children's library. This is something I’ve been too afraid to try until now, but Pop’n’Olly books were a great jumping off point!

Every Saturday afternoon we host book and craft events for primary school-aged kids. So far I’ve read 'Goldilocks and the Five Bear Families', 'Kenny Lives with Erica and Martina' and 'HaveYou Ever Seen a Normal?'. I will start the session by showing the animated version of these stories from the Pop’n’Olly YouTube channel. I’ve then been opening up a conversation about the themes in the book, before diving into a craft activity or using Pop’n’Olly colouring-in sheets.

I’ve found the Scenarios slides and other Pop’n’Olly resources really helpful when starting conversations with the kids. Some questions I’ve been asking include:

• “Is [discriminatory behaviour seen in book] okay?”

• “How do you think [discriminatory behaviour] made them feel?”

• “Would you be friends with [LGBT+ character]?”

• “How would you make [LGBT+ character] feel welcome if they started at your school?”

Small Actions that Make a Big Difference

• Be visually supportive – wear a rainbow lanyard or Pride and pronoun pins, and put up displays for Pride Month, LGBT+ History Month, and other LGBTQIA+ days and celebrations

• Provide the resources people need to access support – create an LGBTQIA+ noticeboard advertising LGBTQIA+ groups and services in your local area; educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ topics and be prepared to answer questions from visitors of any age

• Display stock that is inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people – Do you have a diverse range of books on the shelves? Are various personalities, identities, and family structures represented? Are you putting a range of books on your displays?

• Start conversations – don’t shy away from reading LGBTQIA+ books in Storytimes and at events and talking to the kids about the representation afterwards. Pop’n’Olly books and resources are a fantastic way to start!