The Queer Parents Primer

When a family is headed by two women, which one is the mommy? If two dads show up at the soccer game, what do you tell your teammates? As families evolve into new constellations, the practical challenges attached to raising children are enormous. There may be custody disputes, public queer-bashing, and other forms of homophobic intolerance that the whole family is forced to endure.This empathetic guide offers gay and lesbian parents some real-life parenting solutions to the many obstacles they encounter. Through examples and interactive exercises, author Stephanie Brill encourages parents to think their way through conflict, and find ways to define and protect their family, and nourish a proud and loving household.There is plenty of concrete advice to help readers present their families with pride, and to teach children to resist gender stereotyping. The author deftly handles loaded issues such as coming out, finding culturally sensitive childcare and making decisions about spirituality and family celebrations. The special concerns of single parents and the complications of breaking up are addressed as well.