Living Together in a Diverse World: Conversations about the Stories of Two Mommies and Daddies among Mexican-descent Bilingual Kindergarteners

Abstract

AbstractDespite a recent increase in the number of studies examining diversity in a contemporary society in relation to gender/sexuality, family, culture, and bilingualism; no study has investigated the intersections of these four areas. The current study discusses the results of an empirical study that explored how discussions about books depicting same-sex parents help bilingual kindergarteners of Mexican descent understand gender non-conforming families, situating it within different theoretical perspectives including critical literacy and sociocultural perspectives. Based on qualitative data gained from a parent survey, teacher interviews, and classroom observations, the findings showed that discussions about books depicting non-heterosexual families provided the bilingual children in the focal classroom with a valuable opportunity to learn about family diversity and gender fluidity. This study offers implications for practitioners in early childhood and bilingual classrooms.