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This is a book for parents of gay kids : a question-and-answer guide to everyday life
2014
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School Library Journal Review
As the title suggests, this book is targeted at parents of children and teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). The authors detail their coming out stories in the introduction, which provides readers with a clear understanding of their background and perspective. In addition to the intended audience, teens may also find this title useful for making sense of their parents' experience. Similar books do not provide such a personal look into the stories and experiences of LGBT children and teens. The authors have provided pinpointed lists of information and easy-to-follow charts along with short summaries of chapters. The question-and-answer format is clear and the responses acknowledge that there are different options for helping both children and parents deal with the coming-out process. Readers will find important advice and information they might otherwise be reluctant to seek out. An excellent and much-needed resource.- April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Summary
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 to answer parents' many questions and share 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.
Table of Contents
Foreword    Linda Stone Fish, M.S.W., Ph. D.p. 8
Introductionp. 10
Kristin's Coming-Out Storyp. 15
Dannielle's Coming-Out Storyp. 17
A Note on Our Use of the Word Gayp. 19
Chapter 1Coming Outp. 22
My child just came out to me, and now I don't know how to talk to them. Help!p. 23
I accidentally found out that my child is gay. What do I do?p. 26
I think my child is gay, but they haven't come out to me yet. Should I ask them?p. 32
My child wants to come out at school, but I am concerned for their safety.p. 35
I think my very young child might be gay. What should I do?p. 40
Chapter 2First Reactionsp. 46
Is this a choice?p. 47
Is this my fault?p. 50
I think this is just a phasep. 51
Am I allowed to ask questions?p. 55
Will my other kids be gay?p. 61
Chapter 3Telling Othersp. 65
When should I tell people?p. 67
Whom should I tell? Their siblings? Their grandparents? Our mailman?p. 73
My child doesn't want to come out to my spouse. What do I do?p. 82
What will people think?p. 85
Chapter 4Thinking About the Futurep. 90
I never pictured my child's life to be like thisp. 91
Will my child be interested in different things now?p. 95
My child is bisexual. Does this mean they can later choose to be straight?p. 98
Will my child always be viewed differently? I worry that they will face discriminationp. 104
I'm worried that my child won't ever have a familyp. 111
Chapter 5The Birds and the Beesp. 115
Does being gay mean my child is going to be promiscuous?p. 116
How do I talk to my child about safe sex?p. 118
Should I be concerned about sexually transmitted infections like AIDS?p. 121
How do I know if someone is a friend or more than a friend?p. 132
How do I handle sleepovers?p. 134
Chapter 6Religious Beliefsp. 132
I'm afraid my child is going to hellp. 139
This goes against my beliefs, but I want to support my childp. 142
I want my child to be happy, but I feel that marriage should be reserved for a man and a womanp. 147
How do I talk to my religious family and friends to help them understand?p. 149
Will my child ever have a relationship with their faith?p. 152
Chapter 7Questioning Genderp. 159
How is gender identity different from sexual orientation?p. 161
My child is questioning their gender. What does this mean?p. 163
My child is dressing differently. Does this mean they are transgender?p. 169
How do I deal with my child wanting me to call them by a different name and use different pronouns?p. 172
My child wants to use the public restroom designated for a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth. Should I let them?p. 174
My child wants to transition to a different gender. How do I handle that?p. 176
Chapter 8Being Supportivep. 187
My child is being bullied at school What do I do?p. 188
Are LGBTQ children at higher risk for depression and suicide? What should I do if my child's behavior is concerning me?p. 192
Should I become more politically active now?p. 198
My political party doesn't support same-sex marriage.
How can I reconcile that?p. 200
Should I join support groups?p. 204
How can I show my pride without embarrassing my child?p. 208
Moving Forwardp. 213
Glossaryp. 255
Resourcesp. 222
Indexp. 237
Acknowledgmentsp. 239
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