GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, has released the latest children’s book in its series in partnership with Little Bee Books, Two Grooms on a Cake, written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Robbie Cathro. Two Grooms on a Cake can be purchased here.
Synopsis: Long before marriage equality was the law of the land, two grooms stood on a wedding cake with their feet firmly planted in fluffy white frosting. That cake belonged to Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, who were wed on September 3, 1971, becoming the first same-sex couple in America to be legally married. Their struggle to obtain a marriage license in Minnesota and their subsequent appeals to the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United States is an under-told story in LGBTQ history. This beautiful book celebrates the love story of two pioneers of marriage equality for all through the baking of their wedding cake!
“Two Grooms on a Cake is a continuation of our partnership with Little Bee Books to further LGBTQ representation in kids and family books and education,” said Rich Ferraro, GLAAD’s Chief Communications Officer. “It’s important that we both document LGBTQ history, and create opportunities to celebrate LGBTQ couples with our families and children, and with Two Grooms, Rob Sander’s accomplishes both.”
Author Rob Sanders added, ”When I first read about Michael McConnell and Jack Baker, I knew the story of their marriage was one kids needed to hear. I’m so grateful they allowed me to share their story and I’m even more grateful that they lived their story.”
Charlie Ilgunas, the book’s editor at Little Bee Books also noted: “Jack and Michael’s story is a testament to how far we’ve come in the fight for marriage equality in the 50 years since they were first married. This picture book is a celebration of their love and the love of all LGBTQ couples who have sought the right to have their marriages accepted and recognized.”
Two Grooms on a Cake continues as part of GLAAD’s initiative to further LGBTQ images in Kids & Family Entertainment. As part of this initiative, the “Outstanding Kids & Family” category was added to the GLAAD Media Awards in 2018. For the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2020, the Outstanding Kids & Family Programming category expanded to ten nominees as a result of an increase in LGBTQ images across kids and family television programming and an increase in GLAAD’s work to advocate for inclusion in this genre.
The book is part of a partnership between children’s book publisher, Little Bee Books, and the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, GLAAD. The partnership represents a commitment to increasing positive representation of diverse gender and sexual identities in children’s books. Prince & Knight was the first book to be published through the partnership with several other titles following. Below are some of the growing number of titles that have been released.
Jack (Not Jackie)
Picture Book
ISBN: 9781499807318
Price: $17.99 USD / $23.99 CAN
In this heartwarming picture book, a big sister realizes that her little sister, Jackie, doesn’t like dresses or fairies – she likes ties and bugs! Will she and her family be able to accept that Jackie identifies more as “Jack”?
Maiden & Princess
Picture Book
ISBN: 9781499807769
Price: $17.99 USD/ $23.99 CAN
In this modern fairy tale, a strong, brave maiden is invited to attend the prince’s royal ball, but at the dance, she ends up finding true love in a most surprising place.
Ellen Degeneres (People of Pride Series)
Board Book
ISBN: 9781499810158
Price: $6.99 USD / $8.99 CAN
Celebrate the amazing accomplishments of LGBTQ activist and trailblazer Ellen DeGeneres in this board book.