Parents of LGBTQ+ children face challenges and rewards. For understanding, acceptance, and love, helpful resources are essential. Our guide includes critical literature and tools to empower parents to support their LGBTQ+ children. You’ll discover detailed book reviews and a full list of parent resources below.
Must-Read Books for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth
- Mom, I’m Gay, by Susan Cottrell
Susan Cottrell’s “Mom, I’m Gay” helps parents with religious issues when their child comes out. Cottrell describes her decision to choose her daughter over orthodox Christian doctrines. The book sheds light on the “clobber verses” used to condemn homosexuality, inspiring additional investigation and spiritual reevaluation. Religious people and parents seeking reassurance that their LGBTQ+ child is not condemned should read this book.
- This is a book for parents of gay kids by Dannielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo.
Written in an accessible question-and-answer format, this book is a primer for parents of LGBTQ+ children. It covers a wide range of topics, from understanding your child’s sexual orientation to dealing with the practical aspects of their coming-out journey. The structure allows parents to quickly find answers to pressing questions, making it an excellent resource for those early days of learning and adjustment.
- How to They/Them by Stuart Getty
Stuart Getty’s “How to They/Them” is a visual guide that demystifies the use of nonbinary pronouns. It’s particularly useful for Gen X and older parents who might struggle with the evolving language of gender identity. This book provides clear explanations and practical tips for respectfully using pronouns, helping parents and allies navigate conversations about gender fluidity with confidence.
- Raising LGBTQ Allies by Chris Tompkins
The three parts of Chris Tompkins’ book are awareness, willingness, and change. It blends personal anecdotes with educational content, offering valuable insights into how to support LGBTQ+ youth. Tompkins addresses crucial questions about communication and understanding the language of LGBTQ+ communities. His focus on hope and positive change makes this book a beacon for parents seeking to become better allies and advocates for their children.
- Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Gender Creative Son by Lori Duron
Lori Duron’s heartfelt narrative about raising her gender-creative son offers both laughter and learning. This book is a testament to unconditional love and support, showcasing the joys and challenges of nurturing a child who defies traditional gender norms. It’s an inspiring read for any parent looking to support their gender-creative child in a nurturing and affirming way.
- The Savvy Ally by Jeannie Gainsburg
Jeannie Gainsburg’s “The Savvy Ally” provides practical advice for LGBTQ+ allies. Its simple structure makes it a useful resource for parents. The book helps LGBTQ+ supporters go beyond their parents.
- Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen by Heather Hester
Heather Hester’s “Parenting with Pride” is a comprehensive guidebook that combines personal experience, research, and expert insights to help parents navigate the journey of supporting their LGBTQ+ teen. Through four transformative pillars – Embrace, Educate (or Unlearn), Empower, Love – Hester provides actionable tools and mental shifts for parents to create a supportive and inclusive environment for their children. This book is a valuable resource for parents seeking to understand and embrace their LGBTQ+ teens fully.
With this addition, parents have access to a diverse range of literature that addresses various aspects of supporting LGBTQ+ youth, from religious and cultural perspectives to practical guidance on communication and advocacy. It’s a comprehensive guide that empowers parents to navigate this journey with love, acceptance, and understanding.
For a more detailed review of these essential books, visit Books for Parents of LGBT Youth.
LGBTQ Supportive Resources for Parents
Websites: General Support
- Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): PFLAG offers extensive resources, including support groups, educational materials, and advocacy tools, to help parents support their LGBTQ+ children.
- The Trevor Project: Focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, The Trevor Project provides essential resources, including a 24/7 helpline and educational content.
Websites: Education
- GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network): GLSEN provides resources for creating safe and inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students. Their materials help parents advocate for their children’s rights in educational settings.
- Gender Spectrum: This organization offers resources to help parents understand gender diversity and support their transgender or gender-nonconforming children.
Websites: Health
- CDC LGBT Health: The CDC provides LGBTQ+ individuals with comprehensive health information that addresses their unique health concerns and promotes overall well-being.
- Fenway Health: Specializing in LGBTQ+ healthcare, Fenway Health offers resources on medical and mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
Websites: Faith
- The Reformation Project: This faith-based organization works to promote inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in religious communities, offering resources to reconcile faith and sexual orientation.
- Q Christian Fellowship: Providing a supportive space for LGBTQ+ Christians, this fellowship offers resources for parents seeking to integrate their faith with acceptance of their LGBTQ+ children.
Websites: Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers resources for parents as well as mental health support specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- The Jed Foundation: Focused on mental health and suicide prevention among teens and young adults, the Jed Foundation offers resources for parents to support their LGBTQ+ children’s mental health.
Websites: Substance Use and Abuse Awareness
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): SAMHSA provides resources and support for addressing substance use issues within the LGBTQ+ community.
Websites: Social Justice and Advocacy
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC): HRC offers tools and resources for advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, including guides for parents on how to support their children and fight for their rights.
- Lambda Legal: This organization provides legal resources and support for LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination.
Websites: Therapeutic Education Consultants
- IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association): IECA offers resources for finding educational consultants who specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
Website: Education for Allies
- Straight for Equality: An initiative by PFLAG, this platform provides resources for allies to learn how to support LGBTQ+ individuals more effectively.
Videos and movies
- It Gets Better Project: This project shares inspiring stories from LGBTQ+ individuals, providing hope and encouragement.
- Pray Away: A documentary that explores the harmful impact of conversion therapy and the journey of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking acceptance.
Podcasts
- Queery with Cameron Esposito: Featuring conversations with LGBTQ+ luminaries, this podcast offers diverse perspectives and stories.
- Nancyis a podcast from WNYC Studios that explores the queer experience through personal stories and conversations.
Articles
- The New York Times: Parenting LGBTQ Children: A collection of articles providing insights and advice on supporting LGBTQ+ children.
- Psychology Today: LGBTQ Parenting: Articles on the psychological aspects of raising LGBTQ+ children and fostering their well-being.
Apps
- Pride Counseling: An app offering online therapy specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals.
- LGBTQ+ Aminois a community app where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can connect and support each other.
Books
- “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle: This memoir explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance, offering insights for parents of LGBTQ+ children.
National Hotlines
- The Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Local Resources: Chicago’s Northern Suburbs
- Halsted Center provides comprehensive support services for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
- Howard Brown Health: Providing LGBTQ+ healthcare and support services.
For a more extensive list of resources, visit LGBTQ Supportive Resources for Parents.
Conclusion
Supporting LGBTQ+ youth means promoting diversity, acceptance, and equality. The recommended books provide parents with valuable advice on this path. With websites, hotlines, and groups, parents can learn and establish inclusive environments for their children. We help everyone live genuinely and thrive without judgment or discrimination by teaching, listening, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. We can create a more caring and inclusive society.
