June is Pride Month, a time when people worldwide celebrate LGBT+ rights and inclusivity. This month is marked by colourful parades featuring rainbow flags, banners of support, and entertainment that brings communities together for equality and justice. It’s also a perfect opportunity to teach your children about these important values.

Understanding Inclusivity from an Early Age

Children learn about inclusivity from an early age. As social creatures, they look to their parents and community for cues on how to treat others. From birth, they pick up subtle signals about what is safe and what isn’t. By modelling inclusive behaviour, parents can actively teach their children to be open and accepting. This blog provides tips for parents to discuss inclusivity, equality, and diversity with their children.

Examine Your Own Diversity Deficits

Children watch and learn from adults. Reflect on these questions to examine your own diversity deficits:

  • How often does your family interact with people who are different from you?
  • Do you have friends of different races, religions, or sexual orientations?
  • Do you accept others easily, or do you make quick judgments based on stereotypes?
  • How can you challenge derogatory language about LGBT+ people?

If you want your children to be inclusive, you need to be inclusive too!

Discussing British Values and LGBT+ Inclusivity

British values, taught in schools, can also be reinforced at home. These values support LGBT+ rights and help create a safe environment for everyone. The British values, according to Ofsted, are:

  • Democracy: Democracy allows for equal rights and voting for a better future. Discuss how Pride marches and the history of LGBT+ rights, such as Section 28, have evolved.
  • Rule of Law: The Equality Act provides equal opportunities to protected identities, including LGBT+ people. Teach equality at home by promoting fairness for all.
  • Respect and Tolerance: LGBT+ people prefer “respect and acceptance” over tolerance. Model acceptance in your home.
  • Individual Liberty: Attend a Pride march and discuss the importance of being free to express oneself.

Sharing Books on Inclusivity

Books are a great way to introduce inclusivity topics to children. Here are some recommendations:

  • Ages 3-8: “My Shadow is Pink” by Scott Stuart, “Julian is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love, “ABC Pride” by Louise Stowell and Elly Barnes, and “Who’s Your Real Mum?” by Bernadette Green and Anna Zobel.
  • Ages 7-11: “The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.” by Jen Carey, and “Protest! How People Have Come Together to Change the World Throughout History” by Alice and Emily Haworth-Booth.
  • Ages 12-14: “Heartstopper: Volume 1” by Alice Oseman.
  • Young Adults: “Queer Up: An Uplifting Guide to LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health” by Alexis Caught.

Celebrate Pride by Leading by Example

Children learn more from actions than words. Show your children how to behave inclusively by modelling it yourself.

For more resources on supporting LGBT+ inclusivity, visit:

If you are looking for support for your child or teen, The Youth Fairy is here to help! Find your nearest Youth Fairy here and book in your free initial 1-hour consultation.