The ABC’s of LGBT+ by Ashley Mardell

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, your go-to channel for all things sex education. Today, I want to talk about a book called The ABCs of LGBT+ by Ashley Mardell (formerly known as Ash Mardell). I was lucky enough to get my hands on a brand new copy of this book, courtesy of my local library. And let me tell you, I was seriously impressed!

First off, let’s talk about the layout of the book. It’s visually stunning, with adorable cartoons and illustrations sprinkled throughout. It’s not just a dry read, trust me. Plus, the author includes personal stories from individuals who identify as demigirls and other identities. I think incorporating stories like this is a fantastic idea, and it’s something I want to do more of in my own work.

Now, what do I love about this book? Well, it starts off with a cheat sheet! The author added this section because their mom was feeling overwhelmed by all the definitions. I think that’s brilliant! It gives you a quick overview of the key terms, and if you want more in-depth explanations, you can find them at the back of the book. And let me tell you, there are a lot of terms and jargon to navigate, even for someone like me who’s been in the field for over 25 years.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from gender to sexual and romantic orientation. It’s not just a basic introduction, though. The author dives deep into the subject matter, but they manage to simplify it beautifully. As someone who’s struggled with understanding gender myself, it was refreshing to read their perspective. They really have a solid grasp on the topic.

The introduction is particularly great because it’s aimed at parents and anyone who wants to understand what all this jargon means. Let’s face it, there’s a lot of hate and fear out there when it comes to being non-hetero or different in any way. This book helps break down those barriers and provides a safe space for learning.

The book also explores different spectrums of attraction and expression of gender. It asks important questions like how you identify, how you express your gender, and who you’re physically and emotionally attracted to. It’s all about understanding yourself and embracing your unique identity.

I borrowed this book from the library, but I’m definitely going to buy my own copy. It’s that good! Even as a sex educator, I learned so much from it. However, it’s worth noting that the book was published in 2016, so some of the terminology and meanings may have evolved since then. But overall, it’s a valuable resource.

Whether you’re a parent trying to support your child or an individual exploring your own identity, this book is worth checking out. It’s not overly simplistic, but it also doesn’t overwhelm you with complex concepts. The author strikes a perfect balance, making it accessible to everyone.

I absolutely adore this book. The beautiful illustrations, the inclusive approach, and the personal stories make it a must-read. I can’t wait to see if the author updates it in the future, because I believe this is a topic that will continue to evolve. But for now, I highly recommend giving it a read.

Alright, that’s it from me. I hope this review helps you decide if The ABCs of LGBT+ is the right book for you. And remember, you can always borrow it from your local library before making a purchase. Trust me, I know how tempting it is to buy every book in sight!

Take care and happy reading!

Cheers!