Books for Parents of LGBTQIA+ Youth
It’s hard being a parent, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Below is a list of recommended reading if you have a child that is LGBTQIA+.
The Gender Creative Child
By Diane Ehrensaft, PhD
In this up-to-date, comprehensive resource, Dr. Ehrensaft explains the interconnected effects of biology, nurture, and culture to explore why gender can be fluid, rather than binary. As an advocate for the gender affirmative model and with the expertise she has gained over three decades of pioneering work with children and families, she encourages caregivers to listen to each child, learn their particular needs, and support their quest for a true gender self.
Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child
By Telaina Eriksen
Parents of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning child often search for ways to help their LGBTQ child navigate a world that isn’t always welcoming. Eriksen, the mother of a gay daughter, explains what she and her husband have learned through experience. She covers the science on gender and sexuality and offers advice on how to help a transgender child through the various stages of development, deal with everyday problems, and keep your child talking after he or she comes out.
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out
By Susan Kuklin
Author and photographer Susan Kuklin met and interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults and used her considerable skills to represent them thoughtfully and respectfully before, during, and after their personal acknowledgment of gender preference. Portraits, family photographs and candid images grace the pages, augmenting the emotional and physical journey each youth has taken. Each honest discussion and disclosure, whether joyful or heartbreaking, is completely different from the other because of family dynamics, living situations, gender and the transition these teens make in recognition of their true selves.
The ABC’s of LGBT+
Ashley Mardell
Shares in-depth definitions of LGBT+ terms, and offers personal anecdotes from LGBT+ people.
This Is a Book For Parents of Gay Kids
By Dannielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo
Written in an accessible Q&A format, here, finally, is the go-to resource for parents hoping to understand and communicate with their gay child. Through their LGBTQ-oriented site, the authors are uniquely experienced in answering parents’ many questions and sharing insight and guidance on both emotional and practical topics. Filled with real-life experiences from gay kids and parents, this is the book gay kids want their parents to read.
Family pride
By Michael Shelton
An invaluable portrait and road map on how to thrive as an LGBT family.