LGBTQ+ Family & Parent Guides & Books

For age 7 years and up.

Kit, a 12 year old who identifies as a boy, explains all about gender variance, the experience of medical transition and how his family, friends and school can support him. This illustrated introduction to gender diversity will be a helpful guide and discussion starter for children 11+, as well as for older readers.

Meet Kit - a 12 year old undergoing medical transition - as he talks about gender and the different ways it can be explored. He explains what it is like to transition and how his friends, family and teachers can help through talking, listening and being proactive.

With illustrations throughout, this is an ideal way to start conversations about gender diversity in the classroom or at home and suitable for those working in professional services and settings. The book also includes a useful list of recommended reading, organisations and websites for further information and support.

'A much needed piece of work! The pedagogies outlined in this book have made a positive, significant difference to the lives of young trans people in our schools. By following the practical strategies we can together begin the journey to inclusion. This guide will help you take the first steps to educate and then support you to create an environment that actively celebrates gender diversity! A definite go-to-guide for all schools.'
- Dr Elly Barnes MBE, CEO of Educate & Celebrate

Author: Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher, illustrated by Fox Fisher
Format: Paperback
Pages: 64
ISBN: 9781785921056

This true story by a family about raising their transgender son is both a captivating read and an invaluable support source for parents facing similar issues. A warm, insightful portrait of a family that includes tips on helping young transgender people navigate their transition, it will support, educate and inspire.

This inspiring and moving story, told from the heart of an extraordinary family, recounts the emotional and uplifting journey of raising a transgender son.

Janna Barkin's family has come a long way since their child, Amaya, first told them he was a boy and not a girl and this captivating memoir charts the family's experiences of raising Amaya, from birth through to adulthood. With powerful chapters written by Amaya's family and friends, Janna shares personal stories of the support and discoveries her family has encountered and provides a 'care package' of advice for families facing similar issues, including a glossary of terms and a list of hand-picked support sources.

Written with warmth and humour, He's Always Been My Son reminds us to accept others for who they are and will support, educate and inspire anyone who reads it.

'What I love about this book is that it is a wonderful balance between a mother's love for her son and resources available to families who are navigating a similar journey. With different family members contributing to the story, the reader can see what this transition looks like from varying viewpoints.'
- Roz Gould Keith, President/Founder of Stand with Trans, parent of a transgender teen, and Creator of Ally Moms

'He's Always Been My Son does what no other book has, weaving together a mother's own reflections with inspiring words from the other key players ... capturing the essential truth that it takes a village to grow a thriving gender creative child.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D., Director of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Gender Center, UCSF, and author of Gender Born, Gender Made and The Gender Creative Child

Author: Janna Barkin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781785927478

Author: Heather Bryant
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9781787751224

Proud Parents is a compelling and poignant collection of stories of lesbians and gay men who have adopted or fostered children. Single and in partnerships, they share their experiences on a number of issues.

What motivated them to adopt or foster? How did they respond to the assessment process? What was it like when the children first moved in? And what is life like now, together as a family?

A major focus of this collection is on building a family together, enjoying new activities and helping children to come to terms with their early life experiences.

Author: Nicola Hill, British Association for Adoption & Fostering
Format: Paperback
Pages: 172
ISBN: 9781907585661

A memoir of a mother's experience of raising both a gay son and a gay, transgender son that acknowledges her own upbringing in an adopted family. Through the personal narrative of raising children from birth to adulthood, the author offers insights and further resources for other parents of LGBT children.

Ever since they were young, Peggy Cryden noticed her children's gender expression did not correspond with society's expectations of their biological gender. In this moving and honest memoir, Peggy details the experiences and challenges of raising both a gay son and a gay, transgender son and shares her family's journey of adversity and growth, which has helped inform her work as a psychotherapist.

Beginning with her own unconventional upbringing and personal relationships, the second half of the book follows her children from birth to adulthood and through their numerous experiences including coming out, depression, hate crime, relationships, school and various aspects to do with transitioning (legal, physical, medical, social) as well as their appearances in the media as a family. This book is insightful, charming and thought-provoking, and through levity and humour, offers a positive approach to parenting outside of convention.

'Cryden writes with the emotional clarity of a seasoned therapist and also as one who's done her own soul searching.'
- Ami B. Kaplan, LCSW New York City Psychotherapist and Gender Specialist.

Author: Peggy Cryden
Format: Paperback
Pages: 184
ISBN: 9781785927485

The ABCs of LGBT+ is a #1 Bestselling LGBT book and is essential reading for questioning teens, teachers or parents looking for advice, or anyone who wants to learn how to talk about gender identity and sexual identity. In The ABCs of LGBT+, Ashley Mardell, a beloved blogger and YouTube star, answers many of your questions about:

• lgbt and lgbt+
• gender identity
• sexual identity
• teens in a binary world
• the LGBT family
• and more

Understanding gender identity and sexual identity: The 21st Century has seen very positive movement for LGBT+ rights. In the last few years the overturning of DOMA, the SCOTUS ruling in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, American transgender politicians elected to office, and landmark moments such as Apple becoming the most valuable company in the world under the leadership of an openly gay CEO have advanced LGBT awareness and understanding. In a world full of LGBT questions, Mardell's The ABC's of LGBT+ has the answers.

The trusted voice of Ashley Mardell: We are living in a post-binary world where gender fluency and awareness of gender identity and a real understanding of our LGBT family is essential. Ashley Mardell, one of the most trusted voices on YouTube, presents a detailed look at all things LGBT+ in this remarkable book. Along with in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more; Mardell's LGBT book is proof it does get better every day in a world where people are empowered by information and understanding. In Mardell's own words, "This book is also for allies and LGBT+ people simply looking to pack in some extra knowledge… a critical part of acceptance. Learning about new identities broadens our understanding of humanity, heightens our empathy, and allows us different, valuable perspectives."

Author: Ashley Mardell
Format: Paperback
Pages: 190
ISBN: 9781633534094

The 3rd edition of the essential step-by-step guide to adoption for lesbians and gay men, covering both the adoption process and the adoption experiences of several lesbians and gay men.

Hill's book contains information that is relevant to both single adopters and same-sex couples and is the first of its kind to be published in the UK.

Author: Nicola Hill, British Association for Adoption & Fostering
Format: Paperback
Pages: 230
ISBN: 9781910039922

A detailed step-by-step look at the different stages of transitioning for partners of trans people. With personal reflections from over 15 trans partners in healthy and successful relationships, this insightful guide provides practical advice for those supporting a partner as they transition.

Individuals who transition from one gender to another are often in some degree of a relationship, and over 55% of these relationships endure through the transition process.

While more resources are emerging for trans people themselves, there is very little information available for their partners. Through first-hand accounts and vignettes of successful partnerships, this book presents detailed descriptions of everything involved in the transition process, with specific guidance for those supporting a partner in transition. Topics include disclosure, mental health, coming out, loss and grief, sex and sexuality and the legal, medical and social practicalities of transitioning. In this essential guide, people whose partners are across the transgender spectrum speak out on their own experiences with personal advice and support for others.

'The Trans Partner Handbook provides a wealth of information and ideas, to become more fluent with the terminology and lingo used when discussing trans matters. When you transition, everyone around you does too. It's a time of adjustment for all. This book is absolutely jam-packed full of information on the topic of being trans, particularly for those at the start of their transition.'
- Fox Fisher, Trans activist and author of Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl?

'The Trans Partner Handbook is just that - a step-by-step guide for how to approach a partner transitioning. Jo Green addresses this topic with sincerity, honesty, and openness, weaving together their experiences with those of other partners of trans people to paint a picture of the breadth of challenges and joys a partner's transition can bring.'
- Laura Erickson-Schroth, author of Trans Bodies, Trans Selves

'The essential topics in this handbook offer critical information that trans partners can use throughout their partner's transition.'
- D.M. Maynard, Author and Educator

Author: Jo Green
Format: Paperback
Pages: 184
ISBN: 9781785922275

If You are Thinking of Becoming a Gay Dad, or if You are Already a Gay Dad ─ This Book is for You!

Are you ready to have kids? More and more gay men are turning to adoption and surrogacy to start their own families. An estimated two million American LBGTQ people would like to adopt and an estimated 65,000 adopted children are living with a gay parent. In 2016, The Chicago Tribune reported that 10 to 20 percent of donor eggs went to gay men expanding their families via surrogacy, and in many places the numbers were up 50 percent from the previous five years.

Gay parenting: Having a kid is like coming out all over again, on a daily basis, especially if you have an infant. Was coming out stressful for you? It's about to get more intense and you will have a child watching your every move and listening to your every word. If you stutter or pause, they may pick up on your discomfort and could start to feel like something is wrong about their family unit. The Ultimate Guide For Gay Dads is jam packed with parenting tips and advice to help you build confidence and become the awesome gay dad you were meant to be!

How Is This Parenting Guide Different From Others? Unlike other parenting books that have whole chapters focusing on things specifically related to mothers (such as how to get the perfect latch when breastfeeding), this parenting book replaces those sections with things relevant to gay dads. It covers topics like how to find LGBT friendly paediatricians, how to find LGBT friendly schools, how to childproof your home with style, how to answer awkward and prying questions about your family from strangers, examples for what two-dad families can do on Mother's Day, and much more.

The book also includes parenting tips and advice from paediatricians, school educators, lawyers, and other same-sex parents.

Top LGBT parenting expert: Bestselling author Eric Rosswood covers every aspect of fatherhood for gay men in this essential guide to growing your family in the post-DOMA era. He is a major influencer on social media with over 100,000 followers on Twitter alone, as well as thousands on other platforms.

Exploring LGBTQ issues: Rosswood is an in-demand authority and commentator on LGBTQ issues, including civil rights, parenting, marriage and politics. The author has been featured in major media including The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, CBS News, The Huffington Post, Elite Daily, Yahoo! News, AOL News, NY Daily News, IB Times, and regional LGBTQ press.

Author: Eric Rosswood
Format: Paperback
Pages: 248
ISBN: 9781633534919

Frank, friendly and funny, this must-read guide is packed full of advice from authors who understand the realities and complexities of growing up trans. Readers will come away empowered and armed with practical advice on how to navigate everything from coming out, clothes and pronouns, to wearing binders or packers, hormone therapy and self-care.

The Trans Teen Survival Guide will leave transgender and non-binary teens informed, empowered and armed with all the tips, confidence and practical advice they need to navigate life as a trans teen.

Wondering how to come out to your family and friends, what it's like to go through cross hormonal therapy or how to put on a packer? Trans youth activists Fox and Owl have stepped in to answer everything that trans teens and their families need to know.

With a focus on self-care, expression and being proud of your unique identity, the guide is packed full of invaluable advice from people who understand the realities and complexities of growing up trans. Having been there, done that, Fox and Owl are able to honestly chart the course of life as a trans teen, from potentially life-saving advice on dealing with dysphoria or depression, to hilarious real-life awkward trans stories.

Author: Owl Fisher and Fox Fisher
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781785923418

This heartfelt, honest memoir tracks Wenn Lawson's transition from female to male and the effect it had on his relationship. Co-written by Wenn and his partner, Beatrice, the book explores the highs and lows of their journey and how they arrived at a point of acceptance and celebration of their individual identities and identity as a couple.

This is the story of a long-lasting relationship, surviving against the odds. It is the story of Wenn and Beatrice Lawson, born almost twelve years apart in different countries with different cultures, who were both assigned female at birth. After nineteen years of marriage and four children, Wenn entered a same-sex relationship with Beatrice. Little did Beatrice know that twenty-two years later, Wenn would transition from female to male. This unique and honest memoir tells the story of Wenn's transition and Beatrice's journey alongside him.

Co-written by Wenn and Beatrice, who are both on the autism spectrum, this book offers a rare insight into an older couple's experience of transition, with particular emphasis on how Beatrice really felt about the changes. Without holding back, they tell the true story of the conflicts, challenges and growing celebration and joy that can arise from transitioning together as a couple.

'Books by Wenn have always explored the frontiers of autism. This is the love story of Wenn and Beatrice that, through the years, became an exploration of gender and identity. I now see an increasing number of clients who are travelling the same road and this will be their travel guide.'
- Tony Attwood, Minds and Hearts Clinic, Brisbane

'A wonderful multifaceted account of discovering sexuality, exploring gender identity and living with autism, wrapped up in a beautifully honest and inspiring love story of one couple's journey of overcoming obstacles to find each other, to find themselves and to find a way to move forward together. It is impossible not to feel completely privileged to be able to share in their unique experience of undergoing gender transition as a couple.'
- Finlay Games (finntheinfinncible), Transgender advocate and educator, and YouTube host and blogger on gender transition, mental health and recovery

Author: Wenn B. Lawson and Beatrice M. Lawson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 216
ISBN: 9781785921032

Winner of the Sixth Annual Bisexual Book Award for Non-fiction, 2017.

Looking for LGBTQ books that offer guidance on providing loving support to your LGBT child?

Parents of LGBT children guide: Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child provides parents of a LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning) child with a framework for helping their LGBTQ child navigate through a world that isn't always welcoming.

Author Telaina Eriksen, a professor at Michigan State University and the mother of a gay daughter, explains what she and her husband have learned through experience, including how to:

• Deal with gay children coming out
• Confront bullying of gay children
• Become an advocate for gay children
• Build a support system in a gay family
• Gender and sexuality

Eriksen also covers the science on gender and sexuality and how to help a transgender child through the various stages of development. Throughout the book parents and kids who have been there, share their stories. She also directs gay family parents to various resources online to help them.LGBTQ parents will learn...

• How to help their child navigate locker rooms, sleepovers, proms, etc.
• When to involve the police or school administration when it comes to bullying
• How to advocate for local, state and national policies that protect your child
• Ways to educate well-meaning, but misguided extended family members
• How to help start a Gay-Straight Alliance at your child's school
• Strategies for keeping your child talking after he or she comes out
• Signs of unhealthy relationships
• When to consider therapy for your child and/or your family
• How to find an LGBTQ-friendly community (including inclusive churches).

Author: Telaina Eriksen
Format: Paperback
Pages: 244
ISBN: 9781633535152