Author Lesléa Newman spoke in Plemmons Student Union Tuesday night about the relationship between homosexuality and family values. Newman has written numerous children's books that promote the idea of a family being bound together by love rather than traditional gender roles. Jessica Schreck | The Appalachian

Lesléa Newman, the author of children's books like "Heather Has Two Mommies," visited Appalachian State University Tuesday as part of the Diversity Lecture Series.

Newman read aloud from "Heather Has Two Mommies," which tells the story of Heather and her parents, Mama Jane and Mama Kate. Heather learns that although she may not have the traditional mother and father, she's no different from any other child in her playgroup - many families are different, just like hers.

Newman's goal in writing the book was to give families of different structures an outlet to explain to their children that their family is different - not wrong, she said.

"A child doesn't have an innate belief that something is wrong until they are told," Newman said. "They see beyond racial and gender lines and can be nurtured and brought up in a loving, hate-free environment."

Newman has received feedback from many children on the book - including children with two dads, children raised by a single parent and children from traditional families.

One child, a young boy named Nick, told Newman he'd crossed out Heather and replaced it with his own name throughout the book because - as he told her - "I know you wrote it just for me."

Children who read the book generally take away the theme that "the most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other," Newman said.

The book has provoked some degree of controversy, but Newman said she doesn't let negativity get to her - and tries to respond with compassion.

"It must be very hard to live like that," she said.

For colleges, Newman recommends utilizing safe zones - places where people can come and know they're free from judgment - and encourages people to identify themselves as allies or members of the LGBT community.

Newman's participation in the Diversity Lecture Series was sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Development. She was chosen because she speaks to a topic that can "enrich and enhance our academic environment on campus," said Gus Pena, interim director of multicultural student development.

Story: HAYDEN KEZIAH, Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Photo: JESSICA SCHRECK, Photographer