Today I went to the launch of Jasper Peach’s book, You’ll Be A Wonderful Parent – Advice and encouragement for rainbow families of all kinds. It was brilliant.
Jasper is a non binary, trans and disabled parent, and has created this book so other rainbow parents feel less alone. What a generous gift.
The book launch was like a big warm hug – for Jasper, and their illustrator Quince Frances; and also for everyone who attended. Children played happily; everyone was encouraged to do what they needed to feel comfortable – like move the the sensory room, colour in, get food and drinks, walk around; and Jasper and host Roz Bellamy reminded non binary, trans and gender diverse people of how much they are loved and valued. And there was cake!
There were speeches by Jasper, a Q&A -hosted by Roz – between Jasper and Quince about the illustration process, Ailsa Wild – an ally who helped make this book happen, and Jasper’s two kids.
It was accessible in many ways – held at North Fitzroy library which is a beautiful, bright and airy space; great ventilation; RATs and masks, colouring books, a sensory room; cushions; a play space for children; food and drink; and visual and audio recording to upload at a later date. Everything was beautifully considered to create access and inclusion. The children were so happy and comfortable and looked after by their peers and the grown ups. Community 💛
Both Jasper and Ailsa read out this paragraph from the end of #YBAWP, and I wanted to share too:
“And the single greatest gift you can give yourself, next time you look in the mirror, is to regard that person staring back with that same joy and pride and acknowledge that, despite the scars of this world, you are loved. You are worthy. You are here and perfect – as a parent and as a person – just as you are.”
If you’re a parent (or wanting to become a parent) in the LGBITQA+ community, or know someone who is; if you’re a nurse, midwife, obstetrician, social worker or GP; if you are an ally to LGBTIQA+ people – please buy this book, or borrow it from your library. It’s so valuable. And it’s a great companion to Eliza Hull’s We’ve Got This, which Jasper also features in.
You’ll Be A Wonderful Parent is published by Hardie Grant and is available at bookshops and libraries. Follow Jasper on Twitter and Instagram.
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