10 Easy Ways to be More LGBTQ Friendly- and Why It Matters

Katie Slivovsky, Chicago Children's Museum

Theresa Volpe, One Million Kids for Equality

Robert Hadaway, Duluth Children's Museum

Inclusion of all families is a common theme among most organizations that serve children in families, so it was great to see that children's museums are working to create inclusive environments.

Presenters shared their experiences and perspectives on inclusion, with a nod to developmental best practices (which made me extremely happy!).

While Katie & Robert both work directly for CMs, Theresa Volpe had a more personal story to share-she describes herself advocate interested in educational development. Lesbian with longterm partner and children. She had a defining negative experience in children’s hospital when 18 month old son had near-death medical experience and was blocked by medical staff when trying to see her son, because his other mother was already present. Involved in marriage equality case in Illinois. Self-described “accidental activist.”

10 Easy Ways-

1. Smile & be nice! 

2. Show signs of welcome

Image from Chicago Children's Museum: http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/images/uploads/10_Easy_Ways_to_be_LGBTQ-friendly--Handout.pdf

3. Use good customer service with unhappy parents 

4. Use inclusive images 

5. Include LGBTQ-friendly children’s books in your spaces 

6. Avoid gender binary which categorizes everyone as male/female, man/woman/ girl/boy. See Genderbread graphic below-

All of these occur on a spectrum ( or with a good amount of fluidity!) 

Gender Identity 

Gender Expression 

Biological Sex 

Sexual Orientation 

Gender binary includes referring to groups as “boys and girls” Move away from this by using general terms, “Friends” Remove gender specification on forms. 

Strive to facilitate gender exploration! All colors are for everyone. Tutus are for everyone.  

Provide gender neutral toys or access to all toys. 

Watch your assumptions- sometimes what you perceive may not be true to what is. 

If a child shares their preferred gender pronoun with you, go with it! Be a safe person to provide child validation for their preferences. 

7. Ensure EVERYONE has a safe place to potty : restrooms are an opportunity for activism.  

Consider that we make ADA accommodations- can we work to accommodate our LGBTQ patrons? *all gender, family restrooms, etc. 

8. Connect with your LGBTQ community- search out opportunities to meet and serve the LGBTQ community.*Pride festivals 

1. Outreach to an underserved community 

2. Shows that you are open & welcoming to the community 

3. You may be able to reach a population beyond your city (regional/national audience) 

4. Marketing opportunities 

9. Show your pride at your community’s pride event. 

10. Keep Learning! 

If you'd like to know a little more, feel free to browse my thoughts below or check out the CCM website, with many more resources (links at the bottom of the webpage)

http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/index.php/about/lgbtq-pride-events

Why is it important to send a message of inclusion?

We provide information access and services to all. At RCPL we definitely maintain the idea that every patron is a VIP and deserves a positive experience at our Library! With that in mind, it is important to remember that we are in a unique situation to provide children the opportunity to feel that their families are welcome, valued, and included, whatever their family structure.

A great tidbit from Disney was shared-

It is important to provide examples of LGBTQ characters on screen- regardless of whether or not someone disagrees. Before consumers were adults, they were children who may not have been able to see themselves in anything, which creates a sense that you are not okay or acceptable.

In an ideal world, a young child should not have that experience.

-Rina