GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization has announced the latest children’s book in its series in partnership with Little Bee Books, Two Grooms on a Cake, written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Robbie Cathro.
Long before marriage equality was the law of the land, two grooms stood on a wedding cake with their feet firmly planted in fluffy white frosting. That cake belonged to Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, who were wed on September 3, 1971, becoming the first same-sex couple in America to be legally married.
Their struggle to obtain a marriage license in Minnesota and their subsequent appeals to the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United States is an under-told story in LGBTQ history. This beautiful book celebrates the love story of two pioneers of marriage equality for all through the baking of their wedding cake!
“Two Grooms on a Cake is a continuation of our partnership with Little Bee Books to further LGBTQ representation in kids and family books and education,” said Rich Ferraro, GLAAD’s Chief Communications Officer. “It’s important that we both document LGBTQ history, and create opportunities to celebrate LGBTQ couples with our families and children, and with Two Grooms, Rob Sander’s accomplishes both.”
Author Rob Sanders added, ”When I first read about Michael McConnell and Jack Baker, I knew the story of their marriage was one kids needed to hear. I'm so grateful they allowed me to share their story and I'm even more grateful that they lived their story."
“Jack and Michael’s story is a testament to how far we’ve come in the fight for marriage equality in the 50 years since they were first married. This picture book is a celebration of their love and the love of all LGBTQ couples who have sought the right to have their marriages accepted and recognized,” said Little Bee Books editor Charlie Ilgunas.
Two Grooms on a Cake continues as part of GLAAD’s initiative to further LGBTQ images in Kids & Family Entertainment. As part of this initiative, the “Outstanding Kids & Family” category was added to the GLAAD Media Awards in 2018. For the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2020, the Outstanding Kids & Family Programming category expanded to ten nominees as a result of an increase in LGBTQ images across kids and family television programming and an increase in GLAAD’s work to advocate for inclusion in this genre.
Two Grooms on a Cake is on sale and can be purchased here.