There are a number of good resources for LGBTQ parents that can help them through all the stages of parenthood from pregnancy to birth and raising their children. Here are a few that we recommend.
Books for LGBTQ Parents:
Growing Up in a Lesbian Family: Effects on Child Development
by Fiona L. Tasker
This book provides an overview of the development of children brought up by lesbian families and compares them to children brought up by single heterosexual mothers. This book is important and interesting, as it confronts many myths and stereotypes throughout the comparison process by studying the effects that gay families have on children themselves.
Mommy Man: How I Went from Mild-Mannered Geek to Gay Superdad
by Jerry Mahoney
This autobiography tells the story of a man coming to terms with his sexuality, and later striving to build a family with his long-term boyfriend. Through humor and reflection, Jerry recounts the story of his journey to build a family through gestational surrogacy, and the obstacles he faces along the way.
She Looks Just Like You: A Memoir of (Nonbiological Lesbian) Motherhood
by Amie Klempnauer Miller
This memoir explores the life of a non-biological lesbian mother who only experiences the pregnancy and birth of her child vicariously, while still dealing with the stresses and anxieties of first-time parenthood. A humorous cultural roadmap for becoming a parent, even in unusual circumstances.
The Lesbian Parenting Book: A Guide to Creating Families and Raising Children (2nd Edition)
by Ph.D
This book, written by two experienced lesbian parents and therapists, presents chapter by chapter, step-by-step details regarding each stage of parenting and child development in a contemporary culture. This book draws on real-life experiences of lesbian families and information from family specialists. It is certainly a must-read for any lesbian who is considering or already raising a family.
The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy for Lesbians: How to Stay Sane and Care for Yourself from Pre-conception through Birth (2nd Edition)
by Rachel Pepper
Rachel Pepper covers everything that an expecting lesbian parent might need to know throughout her journey to motherhood. From choosing a donor, to what to do when the baby arrives, this book explores the personal as well as informational aspects of lesbian pregnancy.
A Gay Couple’s Journey Through Surrogacy: Intended Fathers
by Michael Menichiello
The author provides a personal account of the surrogacy journey from legal matters to financial concerns. Answers to many dire questions that most gay parents have regarding the process of surrogacy. A full picture of the surrogacy experience is painted, from the initial decision to use a surrogate through the birth of the child.
Lesbian Motherhood: Stories of Becoming
by Amy Hequembourg
An analysis of personal stories from about 40 lesbian mothers demonstrate how a sense of self is constructed in the midst of the current legal, political, and social system.
Books For Children with LGBT Parents:
Mommy, Mama, and Me
by Lesléa Newman
This children’s book, complete with illustrations, is the perfect storybook that paints a picture of the love that same-sex parents have for their children, and the loving relationship between a lesbian couple and their child. The book has a gay-fathers counterpart called Daddy, Papa, and Me.
The Baby Kangaroo Treasure Hunt: A Gay Parenting Story
by Carmen Martinez Jover
Through the illustrated tale of two kangaroo parents, Jack and Sam, who have a child through the egg donor and surrogacy process, children can learn about the more complicated methods of their own conception in a simplified way.
Zak’s Safari: A Story about Donor-Conceived Kids of Two-Mom Families
by Christy Tyner
On a rainy day, Zak invites his young audience on a special tour of his gay family. He explores how his two mothers met and fell in love, and decided to have a baby. This book helps to explain the process of egg donation, sperm donation, and genes in simplistic terms for young children to understand. The book ultimately celebrates family and will surely lead to a more clear understanding of a child’s conception and donor story.
