Pride Month began in June 1969 with a series of protests in New York City sparking a global movement for LGBTQIA+ rights. The first Pride marches took place the following year in June 1970. Today, Pride Month is celebrated all over the world, including Australia. This year, the Sydney Pride Festival embraces the theme “Love, Respect, Empower”. The celebration continues for a month to raise awareness, educate, and support LGBTQIA+ communities through events, advocacy, and connection.
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are. As we continue our work with children in care, we stand with LGBTQIA+ communities and emphasise our commitment to creating inclusive, empowering spaces for all.
We’re excited to share some of our favourite LGBTQIA+ inclusive books along with fun and creative activities to help you and your young person celebrate Pride together.
Book Recommendation
There are so many wonderful books that celebrate and empower the LGBTQIA+ community. We’ve picked a few favourites for you and your young person to explore together. These stories are full of love, identity, and belonging, and perfect for inspiring meaningful conversations and celebrating diversity.
This is an empowering picture book that celebrates individuality and self-expression. It reminds readers there are no right or wrong colours for someone’s skin, clothing, or personal favourite. With its inclusive message, this book encourages children to embrace who they are and to appreciate the uniqueness in others.
Big or small, curly or straight, loud or quiet, no matter what your race or gender is, diversity is the beauty of us all. This vibrant and inclusive picture book celebrates the beauty of diversity in all its forms, emphasising that what makes us different is exactly what makes us all lovely!
Once upon a time, there was a noble prince whose parents were on a quest to find his true love. Although he meets three princesses, none of them felt right, until a brave knight arrives to save the day from a scary dragon. Together, they discover a love that’s both unexpected and true. This heartwarming story celebrates bravery, authenticity, and the joy of being true to yourself.
Jackie doesn’t enjoy wearing dresses and playing fairies with her sister. Instead, she prefers ties and bugs, and being called “Jack”. As Jack begins to express who he truly is, his family embarks on a journey of understanding, learning to embrace and support him with love and acceptance. The heartfelt picture book promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and encourages readers to celebrate authenticity and love in all its forms.
Enjoy the celebration of 52 contemporary LGBTQIA+ voices, each sharing their passions, stories, and unique perspectives. Readers can read one story per week to complete a whole book in a year! Whether you're curious about someone’s hobby or seeking authentic voices from the LGBTQIA+ community, this collection is both uplifting and entertaining.
Ten-year-old Casper “Caz” is a talented baseball player who has just moved to a new town where no one knows he used to live as a girl named Cassandra. As Caz navigates friendships, team dynamics, and his love for the game, he also embraces the bravery it takes to live as his true self. This heartwarming story explores identity and belonging, celebrating the pride in being true to yourself.
Other Activities
Proud to be Me!
This activity is a reminder that you are amazing just the way you are. Everyone is unique and that’s what makes each person so special. You can cut out the rainbow and hang it on your wall or above your bed as a daily reminder to be proud of who you are. Let it be a little celebration of your individuality and self-love!
Proud to be Me!
DownloadRainbow Fidget Toy
This fun origami craft is perfect for keeping your hands busy and your creativity flowing. It’s a great fidget toy and also a colourful decoration that transforms into several fun shapes! Watch our reel to learn how to make your own. It’s simple, satisfying and a great way to express yourself through colours and movement. Watch how to make it here!
There’s still more work to do as a community, but every big change starts with small steps. Raising awareness is one of the most powerful ways we can begin to create lasting impact. We proudly support people of all genders, orientations, abilities, races, and backgrounds. Reading a book, having a conversation, or enjoying an activity that celebrates LGBTQIA+ voices is a meaningful way to show support and grow understanding. We’d love to hear how you’re getting involved this Pride Month. Feel free to share your stories with us on Facebook and Instagram!
