In a world where some may feel excluded from their own “happily ever after,” one innovative author is striving to create change with the introduction of a groundbreaking transgender fairy tale.
Author Jamie Thompson is in the process of developing a series of classic fairy tales that center around characters who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The inaugural book, The Royal Heart, has just hit the shelves and is already making waves. It tells the story of a prince named Alex who embraces her identity as a princess on her sixteenth birthday, finally revealing her true self.
As detailed in a summary on Refinery29, Alex is expected to ascend the throne as king but feels disconnected from that role, burdened by worries of meeting her family’s expectations. In her quest for self-discovery, she flees and encounters the spirit of her grandmother, who guides her through the transition into the princess she knows she is meant to be. Once she embraces her true identity, Alex finds acceptance from those she loves and realizes her potential as a leader.
In a recent conversation with the Huffington Post, Thompson shared her inspiration for crafting this story, emphasizing her desire for readers to perceive it as a traditional fairy tale with a modern twist. “I wrote about love, acceptance, and leadership,” she explained. “The fact that it features a transgender character is secondary. It’s vital to teach children about acceptance from a young age.”
Though The Royal Heart is not Thompson’s debut book, she felt compelled to include LGBT narratives to ensure that everyone can envision their own “Once upon a time.” The heart of her story lies in Alex’s journey to find love and acceptance. She notes, “The magic is in the message: ‘we love you.’ How extraordinary it is for anyone to share their true self with loved ones and hear, ‘We love you. We are proud of you.’”
The Royal Heart serves as an essential contribution to children’s literature, promoting diversity and inclusivity while also addressing the transgender experience in a straightforward, compassionate manner. Reports suggest there are approximately 700,000 transgender individuals in the U.S., making it likely that children will encounter transgender people in their lives or even recognize themselves in Alex’s story. Open conversations about such experiences are critical, and literature can be a powerful tool in facilitating these discussions.
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In summary, Jamie Thompson’s The Royal Heart is a pioneering addition to children’s literature, offering a heartfelt narrative that champions love, acceptance, and the importance of embracing one’s true self.