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Children’s book from Bristol illustrator represents queer parenthood
“My Mummies is primarily made for families that create their own alternate and creative routes into parenthood,” says Rosa ter Kuile, the author of a new book for queer families.
“This could be any type of LGBT, rainbow family constellation or couples that choose non-linear ways of having a baby.”
Creating art as RTiiiKA, the 27-year-old who is lives in Windmill Hill, created My Mummies for her goddaughter Arlo, who has two mothers.
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“I wanted Arlo to have something that reflected her own story to have when she grows up,” says RTiiiKA.
“The book also makes reference to the Living Room Circus van which her mums used to drive to their gigs; circus is how they met.”
Image: RTiiiKA
The book, written in rhyme and illustrated with RTiiiKA’s playful drawings, is a playful look at overcoming hurdles as a queer parent, including the barriers that LGBTQ+ have to break through in order to create their families.
“I think it’s really important that there is queer representation in parenthood because it underlines the experiences of parents who are not always ‘heterosexual biological families’ – and gives them a frame to understand their reality,” the artist, who is also founder of Bristol Womxn Mural Collective and is part of Rising Arts Agency, adds.
“Even a small self-published book like this can show that there are other ways of knowing and being in the world.”
Suitable for children aged between two and five, it’s illustrated in the style of Dick Bruna, who drew Miffy, and US artist Keith Haring.
Image: RTiiiKA
Working with Daisy Lee to perfect the rhyme used and Elena Vasiliou to research and model queerness accurately, RTiiiKA hopes the book, which is available now for £12, ensures “that these alternate stories are published and read”.
Main image: RTiiiKA
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