1- I mean the age of the kids I write my books for they’re probably not thinking about that sort of stuff, right?  I know that it will be older young people and adults who will be thinking about their gender and sexuality, but… representation in children’s books matters because when young people and adults are thinking about those issues, they might just remember that as a child they read these books and will know that they are valid, will know that they are accepted, and will know that they are loved.  That can only be a good thing in my mind.

2- Children live in all sorts of families, with all sorts of people.  If they don’t see books with all sorts of people and all sorts of families, they may feel invisible.  They may think they are the only person with a trans brother, the only person with two mummies, the only person with a daddy who sometimes wears a dress.  Feeling invisible, not feeling seen, can have negative impact on self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing.  So anything that can help with that is surely something that needs to exist, right? Representation really matters!

3- Representation works both ways!  The word homophobia annoys me, I mean it’s not a fear is it? It’s prejudice, it’s hate, it’s bigotry and it’s unacceptable.  But maybe, just maybe, if when they were younger, some of those homophobes had read books with LGBTQIA+ characters, they would have seen that there was nothing to be scared of, nothing to fear and we would now have a fairer, more respectful world with more love and less hate.  A world with more love, imagine that.

4- Because it’s personal!  I’m proud that within my family, as well as being allies, we represent many of the letters in LGBTIA+, it’s our community and we are proud. So, I write my books with my family in mind.  Books I wish those of us in the older generations had had when we were growing up, books that our younger members, and future generations will have and grow up reading.  

5- The last reason is because I can.  Sadly, many people have to hide their sexuality and identity through fear. I could share lots of negative statistics but I’m not going to, instead I’m going to accept that I am privileged and use that privilege to contribute to a world where all LGBTQ+ can be themselves and live full and fulfilled lives without fear.

So that’s why I do what I do.  You can find my books below if you know a little person who would like one.  And if not, why not buy a copy to donate to a library, foodbank or school.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncle-Jasmine-Claire-Walsh-ebook/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncle-Jasmine-Claire-Walsh/dp/1915472245/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Princess-Without-Crown-Claire-Walsh/dp/1912677903/