Guest post written by author Lindz Amer.

Hi, friend! I’m absolutely over the moon to share my debut picture book, “Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They! What Are Your Pronouns Today?” When I first ventured into the world of LGBTQ+ children’s media with my webseries Queer Kid Stuff in 2016, I always knew that writing a gender-affirming picture book was not just a career milestone but a tangible way to extend my queer work for kids. This book is a celebration of gender euphoria, sparking conversations about how we feel about our gender and the words we use for ourselves.

In crafting this narrative, my inspiration was profoundly personal—you can see on the very first page that I dedicated the book to my younger self, Little Lindz! So much of my work is rooted in healing my inner child, and it happens to have the wonderful side effect of helping other queer grown-ups heal their inner child too. While I can’t turn back time and gift this book to my younger self, my hope is that this book becomes a source of comfort and understanding for you and the kids who hold it in their hands today.

“Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!” isn’t just a book about pronouns; it’s a catalyst for conversation. Instead of teaching children what pronouns are, my aim is to connect language with emotions and feelings. The book invites young readers to reflect on how the words they use for themselves can evoke a sense of gender euphoria—a feeling akin to when something fits just right. It’s about recognizing and embracing that magical connection between language and identity that makes us feel like we can jump so high we can say hi to the moon and the stars!

Now, you might be wondering why this book is essential for all families, not just those with queer or gender non-conforming children. Well, it goes beyond labels. It’s about fostering empathy, understanding, and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, big or small. By reading “Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!” together, families can embark on a journey of exploration and self-discovery and affirm their gender identity.

So, friend, what are your pronouns today?

Lindz Amer (they/them) makes queer stuff for kids, parents, educators, and allies. They created their award-winning LGBTQ+ family webseries Queer Kid Stuff in 2016 which now has 4M lifetime views and counting! Currently, they host the Rainbow Parenting podcast, and perform at schools and libraries across the country, while writing and consulting for children’s television. They worked with Nick Jr on the Webby award-winning Blues Clues & You “Pride Parade” music video, The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy, Paw Patrol, and more! You can watch their TED Talk on why kids need to learn about gender and sexuality now with more than 2.6 million views!