In an inspiring turn of events following a chance encounter at Blackpool Pride, children’s author Mama G is on a heartfelt mission to locate two lesbian grandmothers who sparked the creation of her upcoming book, *The Proudest Bird in the World*. Set for publication on 1 July, this vibrant tale aims to shine a light on underrepresented voices in children’s literature, but first, Mama G needs the public’s help to find the women who inspired her.
A Chance Encounter at Blackpool Pride
The story begins in 2021, when Mama G—whose real name is Robert Pearce—was performing a reading at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. During the event, she engaged with an audience that included two grandmothers who expressed frustration over the lack of diversity in literature aimed at children. They specifically lamented the absence of books featuring lesbian grandmothers, a sentiment that left Mama G momentarily speechless. “I was like, erm, no. I don’t actually think I’ve ever seen lesbian grandmothers in a story, not even as a subsidiary character,” she recalled.
Their poignant conversation resonated deeply with her. One of the women candidly remarked on the difficulty of finding representation in literature, an experience that ignited a fire in Mama G to create more inclusive narratives.
The Birth of *The Proudest Bird in the World*
Motivated by the encounter, Mama G set out to craft a children’s picture book that places older queer women at the forefront—a rarity in the literary landscape. *The Proudest Bird in the World* tells the tale of Gilbert, a humble white bird yearning to express his true self. His journey leads him to a Pride parade, where he learns about the vibrant meanings behind the colours of the rainbow flag, thanks to the wisdom imparted by two lesbian grandparents and their granddaughter.
“The visibility of older LGBT people is greatly reduced compared to younger generations,” Mama G pointed out, emphasising the need for narratives that reflect the diversity within the community.
The Search for the Grandmothers
Despite her efforts—including numerous appeals through social media, radio platforms, and print media—Mama G has been unable to identify the grandmothers who inspired her. She described her search as akin to a missing person inquiry, highlighting the challenge of not even knowing if they were local residents or visitors to Blackpool. The women are characterised as being around 5ft 6in tall, with one sporting “salt and pepper loose curls,” and both possibly wearing jeans and striped tops during their meeting.
With each passing day, Mama G hopes to connect with them, believing that their involvement in the book could bring a sense of joy and pride. “I hope that if we do find the lesbian grandmothers, they will be proud to be a part of it,” she expressed.
The Bigger Picture: Diversity in Children’s Literature
Mama G’s journey shines a light on a broader issue within the publishing industry. Despite a notable increase in LGBTQ+ themed children’s books since 2000, research reveals that characters from these backgrounds are often sidelined, with many groups, particularly bisexual individuals, remaining largely unrepresented.
The author has experienced firsthand the reluctance of larger publishers to embrace diverse stories. She recounted how her first book, *Oh Yes I Am!*, which tells the story of a boy learning to make his grey world sparkle, was rejected by major publishers due to concerns over it being perceived as an LGBT narrative. Fortunately, both this book and *The Proudest Bird in the World* found a home with smaller, independent publishers willing to take risks on diverse narratives.
“This pushback from larger publishers often stems from their focus on profit margins, leading them to shy away from stories that celebrate diversity,” Mama G noted. “If we want to see more varied books published, we must turn to smaller publishing houses that are more receptive to taking those risks.”
Why it Matters
The quest to find the two grandmothers is about more than just a dedication in a book; it underscores a critical need for representation in children’s literature. By championing stories that include diverse voices, Mama G is not only enriching the literary landscape but also fostering a sense of belonging for children who have historically been marginalised. This movement toward inclusivity can help shape a future where every child sees themselves in the stories they read, making the search for these grandmothers a vital part of a larger narrative for change.