Elsie Lange
Anthony Amerena knows what it feels like not to be able to express who you are, out of fear of being discriminated against or judged.
Coming out as gay as a teenager was hard, he was worried about telling his friends and family and about what their reaction might be.
His new picture book, ‘This Is Me’, loosely based on his own experience, aims to encourage tweens to celebrate their authentic LGBTQ+ selves.
“I wanted to write a book that had a clear message that it is okay to be yourself, that it’s okay to be gay,” Mr Amerena said.
“I used to love reading and I never saw myself represented in any picture books, I never saw any gay characters or any of the worries and insecurities I faced growing up.”
‘This Is Me’ follows Andrew and Jasmine, two young people navigating the terrifying prospect of coming out – will they be accepted and loved?
Spoiler alert: the answer is yes, and this story is about spreading that message.
The book, featuring bright illustrations by Krista Brennan, is aimed at upper primary to junior secondary students.
Mr Amerena believes picture books can teach people about empathy and compassion, and are a powerful medium not just for little kids but for everyone.
“I feel like you could read it to a group of year 11 or 12 students and talk about how gay rights have changed in the past five years,” he said.
The support from his students and school community has been incredible too.
“I read the book for the first time today to my students,” Mr Amerena said.
“Once I finished reading they all gave me a massive clap.
“It was really, really beautiful,” he said.
Details: www.littlesteps.com.au/books/this-is-me
