Emmy-winning television host and producer Ross Mathews, known for his roles on “The Drew Barrymore Show” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has teamed up with his husband, Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews, an esteemed educator, to co-author their debut children’s book, “Tío and Tío: The Ring Bearers.” Set to be released on April 15, 2025, the book offers a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into their real-life wedding experience.
Inspiration Behind the Story
Speaking to Gayety, the couple stated that the idea for “Tío and Tío” sprouted from a touching moment during Mathews and García-Mathews’ wedding. Their nephews, Evan and Andy, who served as ring bearers, approached their roles with unexpected seriousness. Mathews recalled, “We were so touched to learn how seriously our nephews took their role as the ring bearers at our wedding that it inspired me—a storyteller—and my husband Wellinthon—an educational leader—to write this heartfelt, funny, and cross-cultural story.”
García-Mathews, drawing from his educational background, saw an opportunity to impart lessons on responsibility and family values. He remarked, “As an educational leader, a key part of my role involves selecting and evaluating curricula. I constantly seek out books that serve as both mirrors and windows for children—mirrors that help them see themselves and windows that offer glimpses into others’ experiences.”
Collaborative Creation Process
The creative journey was a collaborative effort, blending Mathews’ storytelling flair with García-Mathews’ educational insights. They penned the story together, often taking turns typing on their laptop. One memorable writing session took place on the steps of Manhattan’s Lincoln Center, where they sipped iced coffees and brainstormed ideas. Their nephews played a pivotal role as well, acting as the book’s primary editors. Mathews shared, “They came back a week later with extensive notes, which they read to us at our dining room table. We addressed every single one of their notes. Why? Because not only were their notes great, but you can’t write a book about empowering young minds and then ignore their notes.”
Addressing Challenges in Writing for Young Readers
Crafting a narrative for children presented its own set of challenges. However, with García-Mathews’ expertise, the process became seamless. They aimed to create a story that was both engaging and educational, sparking conversations among parents, educators, and children. Mathews noted, “We wanted to impart takeaways, jokes, and moments that sparked conversations for both parents and educators to have with the kids they were reading it to.”
Celebrating Representation in Children’s Literature
“Tío and Tío” stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for its representation of LGBTQ+ families. While the book is set against the backdrop of Mathews and García-Mathews’ wedding, the authors emphasize its universal themes. Mathews explained, “This story is a universal tale about how everyone matters to their family, no matter their age. We all just want to matter. And the truth is, we all do.”
García-Mathews added a nuanced perspective on representation in children’s literature, “Wellinthon often talks about having ‘windows’ and ‘doors’ in children’s literature. Windows allow you to see other perspectives and the life experiences of others, while mirrors allow you to see your own life experiences reflected. And we love that this book has all of that.”
Reflecting on Personal Childhood Experiences
Both authors drew from their personal histories to shape the narrative. Growing up, neither saw families like theirs represented in media. Mathews reflected, “Neither of us had any ‘mirrors’ growing up—we never saw kids like us reflected in any media, including children’s stories. I think we are all driven to make the world better for the generation that follows us. We hope this book is a small contribution to that goal.”
