Welcome to the May issue. As we approach our first birthday, we’re getting phone calls and e-mails letting us know how much Rainbow Rumpus means to people. A new Rainbow Rumpus volunteer from Virginia recently shared the following story with me:
I was trying desperately to find books for my children. Our library only had three, and they refused to carry Zack’s Story. When I finally found a copy on Amazon, it was one that had been purged from a Baltimore library. When I went to talk to my sons’ school, I was relieved to find out we weren’t the only “double mom combo” as my oldest son says. But they never talk about families like ours at school, and it really bothers my kids. I was on the internet, looking for resources, and I was so excited to find Rainbow Rumpus. Finally there was something for my boys!
Too many parents are still searching for resources to support their families. No matter where you live, we welcome you to “join the rumpus” as a volunteer! Pride celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to pass the word along about Rainbow Rumpus. You can host a house party and help bring in the money that brings you our great stories and cartoons. If you’d like coloring sheets and bookmarks to pass out to families at a Pride festival near you, or want more information about hosting house parties, send an e-mail to lauramatanah@rainbowrumpus.org. More information about volunteer opportunities is listed on our Contact page.
Each issue of Rainbow Rumpus makes history as we create new children’s literature and cartoons featuring GLBT-headed families. This significance is now being preserved as each monthly edition of Rainbow Rumpus joins the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota.
Next month we’ll celebrate our birthday with lots of new content for children, teens, parents, teachers, and friends. We appreciate the gifts of time and money that you give us, and look forward to sharing our first birthday with you in June.
