An Oregon school counselor is facing backlash after a video resurfaced online featuring her discussing her children's book, "A Kids Book About Chosen Family." Critics contend the book, aimed at children aged 5-9, promotes the idea that children can choose their family and may prioritize these "chosen" relationships over biological family if they do not feel accepted.
Madi Bourdon, a counselor at Milwaukie High School & Academy of the Arts, authored the book. Its description states that a chosen family consists of "people who love, see, and support you for being your truest self." The book suggests that children get to select individuals who make them feel "safest and bravest."
In a clip shared by the X account Libs of TikTok, Bourdon is heard saying, "This book is just the invitation to discuss the importance of finding your people, those who see and love you for you, biological or not." She further commented on the current climate of "intense division" and legislation affecting "underrepresented communities," suggesting that "chosen families can offer a unique alternative."
The post by Libs of TikTok alleged that Bourdon's book "tells kids they can cut off their parents and find a new family if their parents aren’t ‘accepting’ of their gender identity." Other social media users echoed these sentiments, with one user writing that Bourdon "believes children should choose their family & the family they were born to is NOT more important than a ‘Chosen Family.’"
Bourdon's background in the video clip appeared to include a Pride flag and a "Black Lives Matter" sign. The book is listed on Amazon.
A spokesperson for Milwaukie High School & Academy of the Arts stated, "As a general matter, the school district does not comment on the private activities of individuals, nor does it have any involvement in books authored or published by private individuals in their personal capacity."