Suggested
"First Read" Books Borhek, Mary V. Coming Out To Parents, Pilgrim Press, 1983. A two-way survival guide for gays, lesbians and their parents, how to handle confusion, disappointment, and guilt that is sometimes present. Bauer, Marion Dane editor. Am I Blue?, Harper Collins, 1994. A collection of short stories by young adult authors will help dispel myths and provide needed information. Buxton, Amity Pierce editor. The Other Side Of The Closet, Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1994. One partner in a marriage comes out of the closet-- Stories of families facing the confusion, anger, and loss of self-esteem that such a situation produces and how they learn to accept and often support their spouse, their children, and other members of their family. Clark, Don. Loving Someone Gay, Celestialarts, 1977,1987. Sympathetic and knowledgeable guide for gays, their families, friends, therapists and counselors who want to support them. Written by a therapist who is a gay father. Cohen, Susan and Daniel. When Someone You Know Is Gay, Celestialarts, 1989. Addressed to adolescents as informational, this covers a wide range of topics honestly and empathetically. (The one objection is the persistent use of the word "preference" rather than "orientation") Dew, Robb Forman. The Family Heart, Addison Wesley, 1994. "Mom, I'm gay" Robb Dew's son told her when home for vacation during his second year of college. The story of the Dew family's travel from disbelief and confusion to acceptance and understanding is delightfully told and will help all who read it come to a fuller understanding. Fairchild, Betty. Now That You Know, Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1977. Personal account of one of the founders of the national organization of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Includes practical advice and many first-person stories from parents of gay young people. A good book to start with! Spry, Jennifer. Orlando's Sleep, New Victoria Publishers, 1997. The autobiography of a young man, brought up in Australia, his marriage, his move to the United States, and his families' reaction to his transgenderism. This book will help readers understand just what being transgender really means. Woog, Dan. School's Out, Alyson Publications, 1995. Interviews with nearly 300 people form the background for this book of stories about students, teachers, coaches, principals, and counselors. Heron, Ann. One Teenager in Ten, Alyson Publications, 1983. Twenty-six young people from around the country discuss their coming out experiences. Their words will provide encouragement for other teenagers facing similar experiences. Heron, Ann. Two Teenagers in Twenty. Alyson Publications, 1994. A follow-up to her previous book (listed above), Heron asks a new generation of teenagers what it is like to grow up gay in today's society. Jennings Kevin editor. One Teacher In Ten, Alyson Publications, 1994. Stories of gay teachers and of homophobia in our schools, and how it is addressed. McNaught, Brian. On Being Gay, St. Martin's Press, 1988. The author writes about whether or not to "come out", about maintaining ties with one's family, building loving relationships that last, developing honest relationships with God, dealing with AIDS, and accepting oneself as decent and worthy of respect. Monette, Paul. Becoming A Man, Harper, 1992. Paul Monette was a gay man, an author, and a remarkable human being. This award-winning book tells the story of the first half of his life. It will lead to understanding and acceptance of homosexuality. Beautifully written. (Monette has written other books - all well worth reading) Muller, Ann. Parents Matter, Naiad Press, 1987. Lesbian daughters and gay sons come out to their parents, using many different words. The parents' reactions are equally diverse, immediately and months later. Rafkin, Louise editor. Different Daughters Cleis Press, 1996. A collection of stories from 29 mothers who write about their lesbian daughters. Reid, John. The Best Little Boy In The World, Ballantine, 1976. Very well written, with candor and humor and philosophical reflections extending beyond personal and family relationships. This is one man's story of accepting himself as being gay. Rench, Janice E. Understanding Sexual Identity, Lerner, 1990. This 35-page book is a quick read. It discusses healthy sexuality, homophobia, religious views, and support services available. It will help all readers understand what it means to be gay. Nongay readers will learn how to be supportive of their gay friends, and gay readers will learn that they are not alone. |
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