Feature image designed using Canva Pro. Pride Month typically takes place in June in other parts of the world; in the Caribbean, slightly later — July in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, and August in Jamaica — but there has steadily been increased regional awareness of the event. The 2023 lead-up to Pride Month in Trinidad and Tobago, however, has taken on a very different tone, because of a children's book entitled “I am a Rainbow,” written by U.S. LGBTQ+ advocate and social media star Mark Kanemura, first published in May of this year. Carried by local book dealer RIK Services Ltd., the back cover, which is where some social media users chose to focus their fury, features a drawing of an LGBTQ+ character, wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, a belt, cape, socks, and high heel boots — all in the colours of the rainbow, the symbol of the global Pride movement — yellow shorts and white T-shirt complete with the rainbow motif, and carrying a fan, also in the pattern of a rainbow. Above, in an arch, are the words “You are a rainbow, too!” The author's dedication reads: To anyone who has ever felt lonely or danced to the beat of their own drum: I am so happy your unique light exists! The story is based on Kanemura's own experience, and follows the journey of a young boy who, though loved by his family, struggles to find acceptance outside of it, until he learns to feel comfortable in his own skin. Judging from the author's statement, the inspiration for the book was to help children who may know they are different feel less alone. Local critics are up in arms, however, suggesting it is a form of indoctrination, a way of sexualising children, and a means of introducing gender dysmorphia. It didn't take long for boycott calls to begin. An online petition soon emerged: ban and oppose the MOE book ‘You are a Rainbow Too!’ from schools IN Trinidad & Tobago. MOE is an acronym for Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Education, which had nothing to do with the publication of the book nor the decision of a privately owned bookstore to stock it, and there is no evidence to suggest, as the petition claims, that the book is included in the country's primary school curriculum for the coming year. In fact, the ministry issued a media release on June 16 stating that “there has been no change in the Health and Family Life Education Curriculum currently being implemented in schools nationwide,” and that “any claims to the contrary are entirely inaccurate.” Yet, within 24 hours, the petition had garnered over 31,000 signatures. Meanwhile, at least one fire and brimstone-related meme appeared, and a message was being shared via WhatsApp advising people that Roman Catholic Archbishop Jason Gordon would be “talking about the LGBTQ topic” via the archdiocese's television channel and social media live streams on the evening of June 22. The message, which was not an official communication, added, “This topic affects all of us and our children.” For its part, RIK put out a statement on its Facebook page entitled “Don't judge a book by its cover,” which thanked the public for its “interest and robust discussion on items that we stock”: We stand by our commitment to bookselling to all members of the public; regardless of gender affiliation or identity. We do not discriminate. We are a bookstore with one of the widest selections in Trinidad and Tobago that caters to the needs of our diverse population. We appreciate and respect all of our valued customers. All are welcome to our stores. The support the store received was overwhelming and immediate. Facebook user Lisa Chote commented: A wonderful response RIK. I’m very proud of you for stopping the hate. You’ve ensured that I’m a lifelong customer now. Thank you for your courage. Gab Souldeya Hosein reposted RIK's response, noting: Bookstores don't ban books. Right on RIK. Shivani Chadee, however, felt that RIK's stocking of the book was tantamount to endorsement, a view that got a lot of clap back. Riyad Hosein responded: You really thought this through? RIK endorses and advocates all religions then? Erotica and adult romance? Folklore? Scientology? All political schemes? Because there are all these books in a bookstore. Thats how bookstores work.