Books For Parents Whose Child Just ‘Came Out’ As LGBTQ+

As parents, we are committed to loving our children no matter what. We love them through the terrible twos, we love them as they enter their teens and we love them through every decision they make. However, there are times when we also stumble and have our own emotions about the things our children do or say, and sometimes parents struggle with things like being diagnosed with a disability or having a child “coming out”.

Ultimately, however, our children are always loving no matter what, and these books can help a parent whose child has just become LGBTQ +.

RELATED: LGBTQ + Kids Thrive Mentally With Accepting Parents

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This is a book for parents of gay children by Danielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo

It’s a great first buy for any parent who doesn’t know anything about the LGBTQIA + community. It’s packed with basic community information, provided in a very smooth question-and-answer format. According to BookRiot, it also includes real-life examples of LGBTQ + kids and their parents, which can really help parents connect and understand the topics a bit more.

If reading isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Authors also include accurate information listings, easy-to-read graphics, and chapter summaries.

Available on Amazon: $ 18.95

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Go out, come home by Michael LaSala


Children with LGBTQ-accepting parents
Via Shutterstock

In this book, which comes highly recommended by PFLAG, LaSala shares the best research-supported interventions for families as they begin their journey after their child is “out”. In this amazing text, LaSala provides suggestions for parents who suffer from depression, anxiety, and grief with the news, as well as helpful tips for re-establishing a meaningful bond between parents and LGBTQIA + children.

This time of transition can be difficult for any family, but LaSala reassures parents that many families are coming closer than ever after they have dealt with the news. With this text as a guide, families can communicate and understand each other better.

Available on Amazon: $ 30.95

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The gender creator child by Diane Ehrensaft

This incredibly comprehensive resource explains why the genre can be fluid instead of just binary. Throughout the text, Ehrensaft explains how biology, education, and culture can shape a child’s gender identity in ways that parents can understand. In addition, she encourages caregivers to listen to their children and support them in their discovery of who they are.

Experts and members of the LGBTQ + community agree that this is must-read for parents of transgender and heterosexual children. It’s easy to read, but packed with information and support.

Available on Amazon: $ 11.58

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Love, Ellen: A Mother / Daughter Journey by Betty DeGeneres

In Love, Hélène, Betty DeGeneres shares her complicated story that took decades to unfold. From Ellen’s first “coming out” conversation to deepening her friendship with her daughter, Betty covers it all in a relevant and authentic way.

It is an insightful, touching and wise love story between a mother and her daughter. Thanks to Betty’s story, many parents can find their own path to understanding and friendship with their LGBTQ + child.

Available on Amazon: $ 16.99

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My parenting journey with an LGBTQ + child by Cheryl B. Evans

This interactive journal helps parents of LGBTQ + children become honest and vulnerable with a series of thought-provoking journal prompts. These prompts can help you deal with emotions like fear, grief, and anger, while also helping you find peace and understanding along the way. In fact, many parents enjoy relaxing, reflecting, and documenting what matters most to them.

In addition to the 100+ prompts, it also includes activities, inspirational quotes, and trivia, which you can share with your child.

Available on Amazon: $ 13.99

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Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin

This book is filled with personal stories shared by six teens who identify as transgender or non-binary, shared through a series of interviews, photographs and personal stories. According to POPSUGAR, it’s filled with happy transition stories, heartbreaking moments and everything in between. It’s honest, raw, and complete.

This award-winning book is considered a groundbreaking work of LGBT literature. In fact, it’s a great book for parents and teens, and might even be a story the whole family reads together.

Available on Amazon: $ 12.99

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The Social Justice Advocate’s Handbook: A Guide to Gender by Sam Killermann

This book explains many gender-related terms that may confuse parents, such as genderfluid, non-binary, and queer. The text breaks things down in a way that makes it simple and anything but exhausting. It covers topics such as ‘breaking the binary’, feminism / gender equality, social justice and gender. While this text does not completely clarify everything, it is a great starting point for parents who want to learn more about their children.

Oh, and 100% of the royalties go straight to Hues, a global justice collective.

Available on Amazon: $ 16.95

Many parents have no idea what to do or say when their child is talking to them. However, these books can help you deal with your own feelings and get a better idea of ​​what it is for your child. At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do for a child is to love them, no matter who they are.

Sources: BookRiot, PFLAG, POPSUGAR


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