Best Books for Straight Parents of Gay and Lesbian Children

As parents face many challenges when raising children. One such challenge is when a child comes out to his or her parent and admits being gay or lesbian. For straight parents to understand this and accept their child’s life decision is challenging and at times very difficult to deal with. Along with the existence of support groups and literature families can begin to heal. Whatever the hardship a family goes through, it is important for them to know they are not alone. The best books for straight parents of gay and lesbian children are the books that provide information on coping with change and also provide a glimpse into the life of someone else who has been through the same thing. This helps make the transition that ultimately leads to understanding .

The book titled, Straight Parents, Gay Children: Keeping Families Together by Robert Bernstein serves as a reference guide for straight parents of gay children and also is a personal account. Bernstein wrote about his personal experiences in this eloquent book. The author recalls the hurt and despair he felt after finding out his child was gay. Bernstein provides readers with inspirational stories of triumph as society begins to accept gay and lesbian individuals. The author doesn’t hold anything back as he recounts his personal struggle with the issue. Bernstein became an activist in the gay community and also grants readers a history into the gay movement. The book is an excellent resource for straight parents of gay and lesbian children. Written by someone who knows how it feels. Someone who has been through the anger and confusion. The book is first hand knowledge and a can be used as a great guide for the parent who is torn.

Straight parents of gay children can also look to the book titled, Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians & Gays Talk About Their Experiences by Carolyn W. Griffin, Marian J. Wirth. This book is a tunnel down the path of many lives. Written from personal experiences this book peers into the lives of straight parents who tell their stories of triumph and strength. The book comes highly recommended and is said to help straight parents deal with mulitple issues. Everyone has a story to tell. The book deals with almost every issue that a family may face after a child comes out: talk in the community, embarrassement, religious beliefs, disease, and other sensitive topics. It is a must read and the authors came up with a blueprint of hope for the straight/gay family.

Jesse Davis wrote a compelling story of her journey as a Catholic mother who struggled to deal with her religious beliefs and her gay son in the book titled, A Catholic Mother Looks At the Gay Child. Davis wrote this heartfelt book and released it to the world. She travels through her personal experience as a religious mother of a gay child. After praying and researching Davis started to write. In her book the author addressess many heavy topics such as: the Catholic religion, clinical studies concerning homosexuality, health, and personal stories of others. This strong compilation includes true stories from the gay and heterosexual perspective. Davis encourages gay and lesbian children to come out and rely on the parental bond and God to get them through any turmoil. The book that Jesse Davis wrote by far is one of the best books for straight parents of gay and lesbian children. Even if a straight parent of a gay or lesbian child is not Catholic he or she should be able to relate to Davis, the anguish she went through, and identify with the peace she has made.