At EFBA, language is more than words, it’s a bridge to understanding, empathy, and respect. Pride Month reminds us of the long history of courage, resilience, and community that LGBTQIA+ people embody worldwide.

Our classrooms and camps honor every family, identity, and story. Learning French opens doors to a world of cultures and perspectives, embracing children from all backgrounds, including those advocating for recognition and rights. We strive to create an environment where every student and family feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

We’ve included inclusive resource suggestions and an activity at the end.

LGBTQIA+ History

On June 28th, 1969, a police raid at New York City’s Stonewall Inn sparked a courageous resistance by the LGBTQIA+ community. This event became a turning point, igniting a global movement for LGBTQIA+ rights. Pride is now celebrated worldwide and continues to open hearts to the importance of understanding and belonging.

While Pride Month is celebrated in June in many countries, some observe it at different times. In several Francophone countries, Pride events are gaining visibility and momentum, though in others LGBTQIA+ rights remain a sensitive or restricted topic. These varied experiences highlight the ongoing global effort toward equality. 

There is now a national monument at the Stonewall Inn site in New York City, officially recognized to honor the pivotal role it played in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. At EFBA, we honor this legacy by weaving respect and recognition for all identities and families into our language programs and community.

The Power of Early Conversations

Starting conversations about LGBTQIA+ identities with children is more than just conveying information, it cultivates empathy, strength, and openness early on. These conversations equip young people to appreciate the full spectrum of human experience. and appreciate differences in all its forms. For children who have LGBTQIA+ family members or who may be discovering their own identity, such conversations provide critical reassurance and support. Feeling seen and understood within their families, schools, and communities builds confidence and a strong sense of belonging which is essential for healthy emotional development.

Language learning can naturally introduce children to a wide range of experiences in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way. When children hear stories and use words that reflect diverse identities and family structures, it helps foster a sense of belonging and understanding. This kind of exposure encourages empathy and respect that can extend beyond language into everyday interactions. To support these early conversations, we’ve included an activity sheet that features an inclusivity poster highlighting different types of families, with space for children to draw their own. It’s a fun, reflective way to help kids see their families represented and to appreciate others.

Francophone LGBTQIA+ Trailblazers and Leaders to Celebrate

The Francophone and Francophile worlds have a long and inspiring history of LGBTQIA+ activists, artists, and leaders whose courage and creativity have helped shape the ongoing fight for acceptance and equality. Celebrating their contributions during Pride Month not only honors their legacies but also deepens our understanding of how language and culture intersect with identity and social change. Below, we highlight some of these remarkable figures.

Yves Saint Laurent (1936–2008) Born in Oran, Algeria, Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized style by challenging gender norms and celebrating fluid beauty. He was the first couturier to popularize le smoking – the iconic women’s tuxedo jacket – transfrom women’s fashion by introducing a bold, elegant alternative to traditional dresses.

Josephine Baker (1906–1975) Born in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Baker became a French citizen and entertainer; her legacy resonates throughout the Francophone world. In addition to her performances, she was a spy for the French Resistance during WWII and adopted 12 children from around the world, her “Rainbow Tribe.” She is also featured in our Black History Month Blog.

Marie Cau (born 1965) Elected in 2020, Marie Cau became the first openly transgender mayor in France, leading the town of Tilloy-lez-Marchiennes. As an agricultural engineer and former military officer, her campaign focused on sustainability and community. Her election was a historic step for trans visibility in public office, and she continues to inspire with her pragmatic leadership and inclusive vision.

Jean Genet (1910–1986) Born in Paris, Jean Genet was a daring and poetic voice in 20th-century French literature. Through groundbreaking works like The Maids and Our Lady of the Flowers, he explored identity, desire, and the lives of those often overlooked by society. His bold storytelling and unique perspective made him a celebrated figure in both literary and LGBTQIA+ circles.

Mounir Baatour (1972– ) Baatour is a leading LGBTQIA+ activist and lawyer born in Tunisia in 1970. He co-founded Shams, Tunisia’s first official LGBTQIA+ organization, and launched Shams Rad, the Arab world’s first LGBTQIA+ radio station, promoting visibility and rights across the region. His work connects North Africa and the Francophone world through advocacy in Arabic, French, and English.

In 2019, Baatour became the first openly gay presidential candidate in the Arab world, making history despite facing obstacles. After seeking asylum in France, he continues to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and human rights broadly, embodying the spirit of the Francophone and Francophile communities committed to inclusion and diversity.

Édith Piaf (1915–1963) Born in Paris, France, the legendary singer embraced complexity and personal truth through her art. Her nickname, “The Little Sparrow,” reflected her small stature paired with a powerful voice that captivated audiences worldwide.

Pride Month Resources for Young Learners

Activity

“Show us what your family looks like!” (printable activity sheet) French | English – A creative way for children to explore and celebrate their own family structure. Includes an illustrated inclusivity poster and drawing space for kids to personalize.

Podcast

Brains On! – “Why are there so many different kinds of families?” (EN)

Books

(3–7 years old)

Julian is a Mermaid – Jessica Love (EN)

Dis… Mamans – Muriel Douru (FR)

Heather Has Two Mommies – LeslĂ©a Newman (EN)

(8-12 years old)

This Day in June – Gayle E. Pitman (EN)

George – Alex Gino (EN)

(13-18 years old)

Jonas by Lily Arcoeur (Fr)

Les maux bleus by Christine FĂȘret-Fleury (Fr)

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire SĂĄenz (Fr & En)

If you know of other helpful resources for teaching children about the LGBTQIA+ community or ways to celebrate Pride Month with kids, please email us at info@efba.us. We’d love to include them in our growing list!

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By Lia Warnke and Celeste Safie