Many of us have cherished memories of Highlights magazine from our childhood. So, when my child brought home an order form from school, I eagerly decided to subscribe. However, I quickly realized that not much has changed since my own days in the early ’80s, especially regarding their understanding of diverse family structures.
In 2016, with the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption for same-sex couples across all 50 states, I was taken aback by Highlights Magazine’s response to a request for representation of LGBTQ families. Their initial reply indicated that they were hesitant to include such families, seemingly concerned about alienating a portion of their audience—a sentiment that was both shocking and disheartening.
The backlash was immediate and well-deserved. Highlights soon recognized the gravity of their misstep and sought to rectify the situation. They issued a statement on their website, acknowledging their failure to reflect their core values and assuring the public that they were listening to feedback. They stated, “Our mission never changes: To help kids become their best selves—curious, creative, confident, and caring. But we are constantly evolving. It may seem to some that we are evolving too slowly.”
Indeed, the call for more inclusive representation is overdue. Highlights emphasized that “all families matter” and pledged to be more reflective of diverse family structures in future issues. Thank you, Highlights, for taking this step toward inclusivity. It’s crucial for brands to listen to their audience and adapt when they fall short.
Initially, their response was, frankly, disheartening. It implied that they were prioritizing the comfort of some families over the representation of others. One parent’s comment on their Facebook page encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “I feel dirty sending you money.” This mother highlighted the opportunity for Highlights to educate parents on discussing family diversity with their children, a conversation that can be simple and affirming.
As a parent, I now face the challenge of discussing this issue with my child, deciding whether to continue our subscription. It’s a difficult position when a magazine that once felt so wholesome now appears to be making choices that support inequality.
Let’s be clear, Highlights: if some people choose to boycott your magazine because of their biases, that’s a risk you must take in the name of inclusivity. The time has come for you to fully commit to representing all families, or risk losing the support of those who value equality.
For more information on family dynamics and inclusivity, check out this insightful resource on fertility and family planning at UCSF Fertility Insurance FAQs, and consider exploring At-Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit for further guidance on becoming a parent. You can also read more about our insights on inclusivity and family representation in this blog post.
In summary, Highlights magazine’s recent missteps regarding LGBTQ family representation highlight a significant need for inclusivity in children’s media. As parents, we hope to see brands evolve to reflect the diverse world our children are growing up in.