We’re thrilled to bring you our third book for LGBTQ kids! Don’t Say Gator is an “anthem for the Everglades,” a joyful, defiant retort to Florida’s bigoted “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Like most of you, author and illustrator Douglas Killingtree was once a kid. He was a gay kid. Growing up during the AIDS crisis and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, he knows that even before a young person can put a word to what they are, they know when venomous people on the TV and internet are angry because of what they are. It eats at you. It makes you feel that you are broken and unworthy of love, that everyone would abandon you if they knew the truth. That’s probably why LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to consider, plan, or attempt suicide. FOUR TIMES. In the US, every 45 seconds a queer youth attempts to take their own life. It doesn’t have to be like that!
Our book aims to celebrate LGBTQ kids, to let them know they aren’t alone, and that you don’t have to let the hatred of others define you and how you feel about yourself.
Lil Gator’s motto is “Be Kind.” And when they’re faced with bigotry, they doesn’t feel bad about themselves. Instead, they say, “Bye bye, see ya later!” and continue living their life unashamed and unbroken.
Don’t Say Gator is being recorded into an official musical version written by Corinne Sharlet and animated by Jeremy Morales VII. The sing-along and karaoke versions will be easily accessible via a QR code printed in the front cover. That’s so Gator!
If you haven’t yet, head on over to Kickstarter to support the project! We’ve got all sorts of cool swag to enhance your Gator experience. Then go download our Promo Pack to help us spread the word!
Kickstarter is all-or-nothing, so we have to hit our $10K goal!
