Recommended Reading
GLBTTQ Parenting
Adopting on Your Own
Lee Varon
Written by a social worker with two adopted children, for people considering adoption, the book give facts and information, along with worksheets and checklists that may help readers to make the decision to adopt (or not), to mentally prepare for the process and to begin to open up their lives to a child. She addresses issues such as age, money, types of adoption, and resources. Throughout the book, she uses examples of gay and lesbian singles preparing to adopt, and lists gay and lesbian organizations in her resource sections.
Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide
Arlene Istar Lev
Arlene Lev has written a handbook on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parenting that moves beyond the right to parent to the examination of the day-to-day realities of life with children. Lev, a family therapist working with alternative families, describes the emerging diversity of LGBT families, options for becoming parents, single parenting, coming-out, and infertility, as well as humorously addressing issues such as coping with colic and finding time for adult intimacy.
Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy & Birth
Kim Toevs and Stephanie Brill
Toevs and Brill, the author of the Queer Parent's Primer, cover all of the basics in this guide. They provide charts and illustrations, checklists, fertility information, and personal exercises geared specifically toward lesbian, bisexual, and single mothers.
Family of Adoption
Joyce Maguire Pavao
Written by a founder and director of an adoption organization, this book demonstrates that there are predictable and understandable stages and challenges for adopted people.
Fatherhood for Gay Men: An Emotional and Practical Guide to Becoming a Gay Dad
By Kevin McGarry
Author Kevin McGarry recounts his passage into parenthood after years of having his natural fathering instincts stifled by the limits—real and perceived—of being gay. This book details the emotional, financial, practical, and social realities of the adoption process for gay men. The book also includes results of the 2000 study by Gillian Dunne, senior researcher for the London School of Economics Gender Institute, of 100 gay fathers and fathers-to-be.
Gay Parenting
Shana Priwer and Cynthia Phillips
Parenting is never easy. Gay and lesbian couples face unique questions and concerns such as bullying and homophobia, adoption and fostering, and equity rights under the law.
Gay Parents/Straight Schools
Virginia Casper and Stephen B. Schultz
This book openly addresses the specific educational realities and needs of lesbian-and gay-headed families. Based on research that includes perspectives from all involved, this book looks at such issues as communication between parents and school staff, homophobia at home and school, gender roles, curriculum planning, and more.
Lesbian and Gay Parenting Handbook
April Martin, PH.D.
Even though this groundbreaking, comprehensive primer on LGBT parenting is from 1993, it's still a good resource for the "big picture," including a discussion of all the options to begin your family as well as good chapters on how to make it all work: Raising Our Children (Where did I come from? What do they call us? Will they be gay or straight?); Family Life (Change and stress, Family triangles, Having a second child); Breaking Up and Out in the World (Going public, Neighbors and Communities, Medical Settings).
Lesbian and Gay Voices: An Annotated Bibliography and Guide
Frances Ann Day
A reference tool for parents, teachers and librarians, this annotated bibliography features book reviews, author profiles and guidelines for evaluating books in this genre.
Lesbian Stepfamilies
Janet M. Wright
This book, specifically on the subject of lesbians bringing their families together and making one healthy stepfamily, takes a look at five families, their challenges, accomplishments, and experiences.
Mothers and Babies DVD: Lesbians Creating Families
Ami and Craig Burns have created a video that profiles 6 couples on their individual paths to pregnancy and childbirth. They sought to validate lesbian families and illuminate their unique struggles and family dynamics.
Running Time: 54:00 minutes
The Queer Parents Primer
Stephanie Brill
A book that looks at parenting skills, the author discusses language we use in families; coming out as a family and relating to others in your family; navigating the childcare and school systems; developing your family’s spirituality, etc.
Welcome to Our Family: A Baby Journal for LGBT Parents
Sally Lindsay
Illustrations: Laura Shepard
Time and again, we've heard from LGBT parents that they'd really like to see us publish a baby record book. Now, in partnership with the Family Pride Coalition, we are proud to present a beautifully illustrated baby journal that allows LGBT families to keep track of every important milestone of their child's first year.