Interview with DeShanna Neal, Author of “My Rainbow”

When Trinity expresses that she wants long hair, her mother has doubts because she knows how uncomfortable the itchy feeling of growing it out makes her. However, Trinity’s mother also trusts that Trinity knows herself best, and decides to listen to what her daughter has to say. Can you talk about why you chose to emphasize this moment of trust and the decision to listen?

I have a motto that I speak of when talking with other parents: Don’t just listen with your ears; listen with your heart. Children have pure but really big feelings and it’s our jobs as the grownups to hear them out. Validating those feelings are also very important and honestly, sometimes it’s the kids who teach us a thing or two.

Trinity’s mother reflects, “Trinity’s gender was part of what made her a masterpiece, just like her autism and her Black skin.” What an incredibly powerful line! Can you discuss what it means to both of you?

This comes from when Trinity first transitioned and all everyone would focus on was her trans identity. We had to push to make certain EVERY aspect of who made her, her was seen and heard.

What was your favorite part of writing My Rainbow together?

Remembering that day she saw her rainbow wig after I worked to make it. It seemed trivial then, but now that the story of it coming to life is in this book, we both realize just how monumental that moment was for the both of us.

What do you hope young children - and their parents, caregivers, and teachers - will take away from My Rainbow?

That all of our intersections-our colors-matter and make us the wonderful masterpieces we are.