Author Profile: Maya Christina Gonzalez

As with many topics, conversations about Queer people, their relationships, and gender identity can be difficult to have with children. This difficulty is mostly shrouded in ignorance of how to approach the topic and also the absurd fear of possibly ‘turning’ a child gay as if Queerness is a choice. Many people shy away from the topic and try to outright deny the conversation for a variety of different reasons, especially around children. One fantastic children’s book author and illustrator who has taken on the great task of tackling Queer topics is Maya Christina Gonzalez. Her books cover a variety of Queer conversations, all featuring POC characters portraying these ‘difficult’ conversations in such a light and open-minded manner.

In today’s climate where drag queen bans have been only a small part of the 400 anti-LGBTQ bills that have been introduced across the United States alone, Queers should absolutely be talked about. I believe that normalizing the conversation will have long-term effects especially when it comes to educating non-Queer friends and family and reducing hate crimes against LGBTQ minorities. You may find that these conversations people are so afraid of, actually aren’t hard to have at all. Children may surprise you with how open and accepting they are, and remember, a negative reaction from a child is likely a reflection of their parents at home.

On top of the books Maya Christina Gonzalez has created, she has also developed a variety of educational materials about Queerness and even self-acceptance with titles such as the “Gender Wheel Curriculum” and the “School of the Free Mind.” Here is a list of some of Maya’s great contributions toward Queer conversation with children.

The Gender Wheel: A Story About Bodies and Gender for Everybody

They, She, He, Easy as ABC

Ma Llorona

You can read more about Maya and find more of her books on her website! Do you know any other authors or illustrators who breach the Queer conversation? Share them with us!

http://www.mayagonzalez.com/about-maya/

Edited by Lindsey Huddleston.