The first book I recommend is mine, because I wrote in in response to countless requests from mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons who
said, there outta be a book…

So I wrote it.

Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is
(Now available in paperpack!)

Of course the best option is to support your local bookstore. If Families Like Mine is not on the shelf, ask them to order it for you. Bookstores
are always happy to order books you want.

MORE BOOKS

There is an increasing number of good books out there. Here are a few I recommend to get you started. For more ideas, visit the website of Two Lives, a lesbian-owned bookseller that focuses on LGBT families.

• Out of the Ordinary edited by Noelle Howey and Ellen Samuels. The book we’ve all been waiting for!  An anthology of creative nonfiction by 21 teen and adult daughters and sons of GLBT parents.  Four of the writers have transgender parents.
• Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. A story about Alison’s relationship with her closeted gay dad, told only the way the creator of "Dykes To Watch Out For" could tell it.
• Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite. Read it (which will take you less than five minutes) and you will scratch your head wondering why this book is at the center of heated debates about family values. It is a harmless and healthy book reflecting the life of a boy whose dad got divorced and is now living with Frank. The supportive straight mom is nicely visible. Ages 2-6.
• How Would You Feel If Your Dad Was Gay? By Ann Heron & Meredith Maran. This does a great job of addressing the challenges that arise when family members have differing levels of comfort for being out. It is quite realistic, and is encouraging without being sappy. The book is officially for ages 6-12, but I think older kids might also find it valuable. (Unfortunately, this book is currently out of print.)
• Jack by A.M. Homes This is a novel appropriate for teens and up. Jack’s dad moves out and later comes out to him. At 15, Jack has to learn to sort through his ambiguous feelings about his dad and about homosexuality and still make it through high school.
• Love Makes a Family A reworking of the highly praised traveling exhibit of photographs and narrative profiles of GLBT families. The families represent a variety of backgrounds and cultures and address complex issues that affect the wide spectrum of GLBT families. Parents with children of all ages can use the book as a tool to initiate conversation or build pride within their families. If your kids seem resistant to look at the book, just leave it on the coffee table. They will pour over it when you’re not looking.
• The Other Side of the Closet: The Coming-Out Crisis for Straight Spouses and Families by Amity Pierce Buxton. The newer edition (1994) adds the perspectives of children. It is easy to read and offers a wide variety of family experiences. The author is founder of the Straight Spouse Network.