CELEBRATING QUEER FAMILIES THROUGH SATIRE: AN INTERVIEW WITH NARELDA JACOBS

Narelda Jacobs, author of If Queers Weren’t Meant to Have Kids, opens up about her new book, which is both a reflection of her personal journey and a celebration of diverse families. Jacobs and her wife, who are expecting a child, have encountered the typical homophobic reactions that often follow same-sex couples expecting a baby. Jacobs says, "We’ve built up a thick skin over the years, but it shouldn’t be like that. Families come in all forms, and it’s important to show that love and choice are what truly matter." Her book aims to do just that—celebrate different family structures while using humour to push back against societal expectations. "We want to show how families are made, how they look, and how they thrive—because it’s love and choice that make a family, not tradition."

The book, which Jacobs describes as "tongue-in-cheek" and "an adult picture book," tackles serious issues with a playful tone. "It’s meant to make people laugh," she explains, "but at the same time, it highlights the questions queer people often hear about their existence, throwing those questions back in a funny way." With its vibrant illustrations, the book takes a satirical approach to addressing the challenges faced by queer parents. Jacobs hopes readers will not only laugh but also feel empowered by the message: "Our existence is something to celebrate, and this book is one way to do that."

In addition to the book’s playful narrative, Jacobs credits the talented artist Molly Hunt for bringing the story to life. Hunt, known for her vibrant and uniquely personal art style, added depth to the project with illustrations that “go beyond the words.” Jacobs praises Hunt's ability to amplify the story, saying, "Molly keeps telling the story with her pictures. She takes our words and makes them even more powerful." Looking ahead, Jacobs and her wife are already planning for the future. "2025 is going to be huge," she says, excited for the new chapter of parenthood. "I can’t wait to wake up to a little baby and care for them. I’ve been a parent for almost 30 years, but this feels like starting all over again—and I’m ready for it."