'What's Wrong With Glitter?' - Book for children to break queer stereotypes
Two best friends and authors published a book for children to encourage their understanding and appreciation of all people.
Chanél Mansfield and Luther Galloway are two best friends who decided to publish a book, 'What's Wrong With Glitter?', about a queer character.
There are too few children’s books involving queer mentors or characters. Mansfield and Galloway both have young children in their lives, and they want to encourage their understanding and appreciation of all people.
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Mansfield and Galloway believe that they are responsible for the new generation and their well-being, and that is best shown through inclusive narratives.
More often than not, children’s books are centred around the traditional family structure and the mentors in these books almost never expand beyond parental figures. With the book, Mansfield and Galloway aim to shatter the queer stereotypes and break barriers.
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The book is about Uncle Kelly, who is a drag performer who lives with his nephew, Eli.
Eli is about to start school and he has a birthmark on his face that he is afraid he will be bullied about. Uncle Kelly helps Eli find his confidence and encourages him to love himself as he is. Eli finds a creative way of owning his insecurity and with his new confidence makes friends and inspires other children to accept their peers, and to even express their own creativity.
Chanél Mansfield and Luther Galloway sat down with Rian van Heerden and the team to talk about their book and the barriers contained within children's books.
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Image: Jacaranda FM