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Many of the greatest names in children's literature are of the GLBT community.  Authors of color, either sex, and nationalities are celebrated and looked up to for their contributions.  By the same token, GLBT authors are rarely acknowledged for being GLBT, some by choice, omitting a group of authors who have also made grand contributions to children's literature.

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Oscar Wilde was the first known GLBT author with The Happy Prince and Other Tales in 1888, but in America, being GLBT was not as accepted.

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Influential editor Ursula Nordstrom, director of Harper's Department of Books for Boys and Girls from 1940-1973, was the single most creative force for innovation in children's book publishing in the US. She attracted gay and lesbian authors such as Maurice Sendak, Arnold Lobel and Louise Fitzhugh. She was sought out as an editor because of her support of gay authors as a gay woman herself.

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Margaret, author of, The Runaway Bunny and Goodnight moon was a good friend of Nordstrom. Although her personal life as a gay woman was well known, mention of her as a partner to another woman was not mentioned even in death.

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Best known as "Willie" and author of Harriet the Spy, was a gay woman who wore men's clothes tailored to fit. Her style seems to carry over into her character, Harriet wearing unconventional attire for a girl of her time. Through her character she was able to create a message of survival for GLBT kids.

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Pushcart Debate: What Harriet Meant to Us

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Pushcart Debate: What Harriet Meant to Us

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The book, for some gave insight to familiar behavior, new ideas, and treasured memories.

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In Finland, homosexuality was illegal until 1971 and classified as a mental illness until 1981.  Tove Jansson wrote books that included characters based on people in her life.  She included her life long partner in her books as well. Together they yielded some wonderful children's books.

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In the 1980s, AIDS takes a toll on the gay community at an alarming rate.

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Arnold Lobel was able to create characters that model true friendships without a focus on gender.

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Marshall continued to instill in young readers that their lives and experiences are 'normal' through his characters' humor.

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The trend of steering clear of gay content in children's literature is one that continued until the early eighties although there were mentions of this lifestyle in mainstream media.  Titles that challenged gender stereotypes include Mommies at Work, Girls Can be Anything,
The Practical Princesses, and The Paper Bag Princess. As gender roles change, so do the roles of the characters in Children's Literature. Teaching not only children, but adults acceptance as well. As long as authors tell their stories and share their experiences, gender expectations and the stigma attached to them can be broken down.

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Ms. Wittlinger and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad School Visit

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Ms. Wittlinger and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad School Visit

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Librarians play a big role promoting GLBT literature.  Although it may not be welcomed and questioned, these books may be a lifeline for gay students.

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Authors use their life experiences to recreate the life they wish they had lived through their characters, like Howe.

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It is Impossible to Hate Anyone Whose Story You Know

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It is Impossible to Hate Anyone Whose Story You Know

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Gender roles for readers that are Transgender and may be confused about their role in society is also addressed in children's literature to help kids accept that everyone is unique.

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Being known as GLBT in your private life as an author is still a risky business. It is also a delicate balance when it comes to writing a narrative for this topic. Promoting this type of literature sometimes comes with backlash.

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Although it is a necessary topic, GLBT literature has seen its challenges and the benefits to children's literature. Thankfully, these revolutionary authors have provided readers with literature that will survive the struggles they had to endure.