Using Children's Picture Books and Children's Songs With Trans* Characters to Promote Inclusivity and Resistance

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Queer Social Change: Transformative Actions and Games for Social Change (Table 4)

Abstract

A critical content analysis was utilized to explore children’s picture books and children’s songs which include trans* characters and stories or which challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The resources were coded for themes, including the interactions of the trans* character with other characters; the extent to which the gender expression or performance was seen as problematic; the support received by others in the song/story; and the explicit or implied forms of advocacy presented. This study also explores the ways in which such efforts have been lauded/critiqued, including examples of resistance to publishing and sharing these materials with children in schools and through library story hours and concludes with suggestions for optimizing the use of such resources.

Authors

• Ashley Lauren Sullivan, The Pennsylvania State University - Erie, The Behrend College

• Mara Sapon-Shevin, Syracuse University