Gay Children Straight Parents

HOPE AND HEALING FOR FAMILIES Out of his own experience and the experience of many of those he has served in his counseling practice, Richard Cohen sets out a step-by-step plan that offers a path toward renewed family relationships grounded in love, faith and mutual respect....

Straight Parents, Gay Children is Robert Bernstein's moving account of how he came to terms with his daughter's homosexuality and how the experience has enriched his life. Bernstein -- winner of the 1996 Award for Best Scholarship on the Subject of Intolerance, awarded by the Gustaves Myers Center for the Study of Human Rights in North America -- discusses the myths surrounding homosexuality, accepting the news, parents who speak out, public figures who have gay children, and more. Straight Parents, Gay Children is a survival guide for all parents who wish to help their gay children cope with the inevitable cruelty from which they cannot hide. This revised and updated edition includes an introduction by Robert MacNeil of MacNeil/Lehrer Productions and a foreword by Candace Gingrich, author of The Accidental Activist "Bob Bernstein has done a wonderful job. I wish his book could be required reading for the world."—Betty DeGeneres, spokesperson, Human Rights Campaign, National Coming Out Project "Bernstein's tone is personal, his advice is sound ... a valuable addition to the psychological self-help collections."—Charles Harmon, Booklist "A succinct, moving book about parents who have defied the social stigma of homosexuality to publicly support their gay children."—Washington Blade

"Mom, Dad, I'm gay." When a parent hears these words, the initial shock is often followed by feelings ranging from anger and denial to fear and guilt. It's also the beginning of a difficult journey that, with understanding and emotional support, can lead to acceptance and beyond. Now fully revised and updated, Beyond Acceptance by co-authors Carolyn W. Griffin, Marian J. Wirth, and Arthur G. Wirth remains a ground-breaking book that provides parents the comfort and knowledge they need to accept the gay children and build stronger family relationships. Based on the experiences of other parents, this book lets them know they are not alone and helps them through the emotional stages leading to reconciliation with their children.

Bernstein tells the moving story of how his daughter's coming out not only liberated her but enriched his own life. He also issues a call to action to all parents to speak out on behalf of their gay children.

Gay Parents/Straight Schools openly addresses the specific educational realities and needs of lesbian- and gay-headed families. It explores why gayness is perceived as such a threat, especially to the education of young children, when it has such potential to enrich the worldviews of both children and adults. Based on research that includes perspectives from all those involved, this pioneering book delves into such issues as: communication between lesbian and gay parents and school staff; homophobia at school and at home; gender and gender role and the different understandings about role models; curriculum planning that invites lesbian and gay parents into the school environment; connecting children’s family experiences with school experiences. Featuring many direct quotes from children, teachers, administrators, and parents, this timely volume provides solid information, wise insights, and useful strategies to ensure the best education for all our children.

"One of the most important books about gay people yet published, Now that you Know is a challenging and enlightening guide for the 20 to 40 million parents in the United States who may be faced with the knowledge that a son or daughter is homosexual. It was written by two mothers of gay children and draws on dozens of candid interviews with gay men and women and their parents. The authors discuss the nature of homosexuality, its effect on the lives and careers of children, the prospects for gay relationships, and the troubling question of religion. They tell parents how to respond supportively to gay children and how to keep families together in a bond of understanding and affection. Finally, they describe the nationwide Parents of Gays groups, which encourage parents to share their experiences and learn to help one another."--Publisher's description.

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.

In their own words, children of different ages talk about how and when they learned of their gay or lesbian parent's sexual orientation, and the effect it has had on them.