Pride and Joy

A beautiful glimpse into what cultivating allyship means for children and young people. A reminder of how important parents and caregivers are during these formative years, and the power of words and genuine connection. – Dr Brendan J Dunlop, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Lecturer and Author of The Queer Mental Health WorkbookPride and Joy is not only a book with a heartfelt story, it’s a beautifully illustrated book that has an important message. Creating allies and a world where closets don’t exist happens one child at a time. And it begins with each of us and what we say, as much as what we choose not to say. Pride and Joy is a book that offers families courage, hope, strength, and most importantly, it inspires children how to be an ally in a timely and creative way. We could all benefit from a little more Pride and Joy in the world! – Chris Tompkins, author of Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the PlaygroundPride and Joy is a book that will help educators and caregivers spark a critical conversation about what it means not only to be an ally, but to understand the true purpose of friendship. This book’s gorgeous illustrations perfectly speak to the themes of this book. I would also recommend this text to school leaders who are seeking to explain and explore the greater significance of social emotional learning with their community of parents and guardians. – Tricia Friedman, founder of Allyed.org and host of The Be a Better Ally PodcastA sweet and inspiring guide for young LGBTQIA+ allies. – KirkusBeing an ally is no easy feat, and Pride and Joy shows kids everywhere not only how to do it, but why it matters! Insightful, inspiring, and important, this story reminds us that our words and actions have impact, always. – Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)Everyone needs an ally, especially LGBTQ+ youth. Books like Pride and Joy: A Story about Becoming an LGBTQIA+ Ally teach kids from a young age that the best kind of allyship is the kind that not only raises its voice but also takes action. At PFLAG, we’ve spent decades working with families and non-family allies, meeting people where they are, bringing them along on their journey–and always leading with love. With Pride and Joy.., young readers and their families now have a new resource for that important work. – Brian K. Bond (he/him), Executive Director, PFLAG NationalThis book, is so desperately needed. It should be placed on the curriculum of every school in the land! – Paul Taylor, Activist, Non-Profit Leader, Educator, Media Commentator Co-Founder, Evenings and Weekends Consulting Toronto, Canada

Frank J. Sileo, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, international speaker and award-winning author of 12 other children’s picture books. He also wrote an award winning parenting book that deals with raising chronically ill children. Since 2010, he has been consistently recognized as one of New Jersey’s top kids’ doctors. For over 27 years, he has worked therapeutically with LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and families. Dr. Sileo has had his research published in psychological journals, and is often the ‘go to’ psychologist in the media. He lives in New Jersey, USA.

Kate Lum-Potvin is an award-winning children’s author and podcast storyteller. She began her LGBTQIA+ allyship journey when her sister came out, and is proud to be a part of this joyful new book. Kate is based in Nova Scotia, Canada.