In a heartwarming pursuit of inclusivity, children’s author and performer Mama G is on a mission to identify two lesbian grandmothers whose chance encounter inspired her upcoming book, *The Proudest Bird in the World*. This enchanting tale, set for release on July 1, aims to bring visibility to the often-overlooked narratives of older LGBTQ+ individuals, sparked by a poignant conversation at Blackpool Pride in 2021.
A Chance Encounter at Blackpool Pride
It was during a vibrant gathering at Blackpool Pride that Mama G, whose real name is Robert Pearce, met the two women who would later inspire her storytelling journey. While performing at the Winter Gardens, she was approached by the grandmothers, who expressed their frustration over the lack of representation of lesbian figures in children’s literature. Their question—whether any books featured lesbian grandmothers—stumped Mama G, who realised that such characters were virtually absent in the stories she had encountered.
Reflecting on that moment, Mama G recalled the disappointment in the women’s voices as they articulated the struggles of finding relatable characters in literature. “It was a wake-up call,” she said. “These two women are facing an uphill battle when it comes to representation because they’re a minority within a minority.”
The Journey to Publication
Motivated by this encounter, Mama G set out to create a story where older queer women could take centre stage. The forthcoming book, *The Proudest Bird in the World*, follows Gilbert, an ordinary bird longing to express their true self. Through the guidance of two loving lesbian grandmothers, Gilbert learns the significance of the rainbow flag’s colours, symbolising love, identity, and acceptance.
Despite nearly twenty years of advocating for diversity in storytelling, Mama G acknowledges the ongoing challenges in the publishing landscape. Larger publishers have consistently shied away from projects that celebrate diverse narratives, often citing concerns over profitability. “I think to get diverse books published, you’ve got to look at smaller publishing houses because they’re in a better position to take a risk,” she stated, highlighting her own experiences with rejection from mainstream publishers.
The Search for the Grandmothers
As anticipation builds for the book’s release, Mama G is determined to find the two grandmothers who inspired her work. Despite extensive appeals via social media and local media outlets, their identities remain a mystery. The women are described as approximately 5ft 6in tall, with short hair, one sporting “salt and pepper loose curls,” and both possibly wearing jeans and striped tops during their fateful meeting.
Mama G likened the search to a missing persons investigation, underscoring the personal significance of reconnecting with the women who ignited her desire to write. “I’m excited to see what happens with this book—and I hope that if we do find the lesbian grandmothers, they will be proud to be a part of it,” she expressed with hopeful enthusiasm.
The State of Diversity in Children’s Literature
While Mama G’s efforts shine a light on the need for diverse representation, a 2022 study from the United States revealed that, despite an increase in LGBTQ+ themed children’s books, many characters still lack prominence in storytelling. The findings highlighted a notable absence of bisexual characters and a general scarcity of elderly LGBTQ+ figures in children’s literature, emphasising the need for books that reflect the rich tapestry of human experience.
As Mama G prepares for performances at this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe, she continues to advocate for more inclusive narratives, urging both publishers and authors to broaden their horizons. “Lesbian visibility is considerably less than gay male visibility in just the media in general,” she noted, drawing attention to the challenge of elevating diverse voices.
Why it Matters
Mama G’s journey is not merely about publishing a children’s book; it represents a vital step toward inclusivity and visibility for marginalized communities. As society continues to evolve, the representation of diverse identities in literature plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and acceptance among young readers. By shining a spotlight on stories that celebrate difference, Mama G not only enriches children’s literature but also helps pave the way for future generations to see themselves reflected in the pages they turn.
