Out on the Shelves

By Education Gazette editors

Issue: Volume 98, Number 13

Posted: 2 August 2019

Reference #: 1H9wXo

Books by rainbow authors, with rainbow themes and characters, feature in an online resource which gives members of the LGBTQIA+ community the opportunity to read stories about themselves.

Out on the Shelves is a database of books that helps young rainbow people find stories that represent their identities in positive and affirming ways.

“For many young people, books are a way they can explore identities. It is powerful to see yourself mirrored in the pages of a favourite book,” says Out on the Shelves coordinator Erin Fae.

Each listing features information about genre, sexual and gender identities, and content that could be disturbing or upsetting. The website includes suggestions for reading in genres including autobiography, comics, fantasy, sci-fi, young adult, children’s and picture books. People can also search for books via identities, such as non-binary characters.

“Normalising rainbow identities through the power of stories and visibility in our schools and libraries helps combat bullying and breaks down the isolation that so many rainbow young people face,” says InsideOUT managing director Tabby Besley.

Schools and libraries can download posters and order via the website.(external link)