The picture book Guess How I Was Born?, authored by Susanne Gervay, is facing bans in several Australian schools and libraries, raising concerns over censorship and the representation of diverse family structures. This decision comes despite a growing societal acceptance of same-sex relationships and a history of support for reproductive technologies like IVF, which has been funded in Australia since the 1980s.
In a statement, renowned author Jackie French AM praised Gervay’s work, describing it as a celebration of “joy, wonder and science.” French emphasized the need to stand up for diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially during National Families Week, which coincides with the United Nations International Day of Families on May 15. Gervay expressed her disappointment at the bans, stating, “I thought everyone would celebrate Guess How I Was Born?. Such a joyful, funny, inclusive picture book. I was crushed by it being banned in schools.”
Many educational institutions have removed the book due to its themes of race, sexuality, and social justice. Guess How I Was Born? aims to reflect the realities of various family structures, including adopted, step, nuclear, LGBTQ, and single-parent families, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and celebration of all family forms.
The inspiration for the book stems from Gervay’s personal experiences. Her daughter, Tory, faced significant health challenges, including kidney disease, making it difficult to conceive without life-threatening risks. After enduring six unsuccessful IVF attempts, Tory ultimately turned to IVF and surrogacy, leading to the birth of her daughter, Violet Rose. Gervay highlights that the story of Violet Rose is one of love and inclusivity, stating, “There is no secrecy, and Violet Rose loves that she is wanted so much.”
The book is designed for children aged four to eight, providing a resource for educators and families to foster discussions about family diversity. It is illustrated by Carolyn Daly, who, along with Gervay, is a grandparent of IVF babies. The anticipated release date for Guess How I Was Born? is in 2025, published by Larrikin House.
As Australia celebrates family diversity, Gervay’s work serves as a reminder that understanding and acceptance should extend to all forms of families. Despite the bans, the ongoing conversation surrounding the inclusion of diverse narratives in children’s literature continues to gain momentum.
