Unconditional

A parenting guide "based on warmth, communication, and unconditional love" for those raising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning children (Dr. Mimi Hoang, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PhD).



Winner of the Sixth Annual Bisexual Book Award for Nonfiction



Unconditional provides parents with a framework for helping their LGBTQ child navigate through a world that isn't always welcoming. Author Telaina Eriksen, a professor at Michigan State University and the mother of a gay daughter, explains what she and her husband have learned through experience, including how to:



Deal with gay children coming out



Confront bullying of gay children



Become an advocate for gay children



Build a support system in a gay family



Eriksen also covers the science on gender and sexuality and how to help a transgender child through the various stages of development. Throughout the book parents and kids who have been there, share their stories. She also directs gay family parents to various resources online to help them.



Parents will learn . . .



How to help their child navigate locker rooms, sleepovers, proms, etc.



When to involve the police or school administration when it comes to bullying



How to advocate for local, state and national policies that protect your child



Ways to educate well-meaning, but misguided extended family members



How to help start a Gay-Straight Alliance at your child's school



Strategies for keeping your child talking after he or she comes out



Signs of unhealthy relationships



When to consider therapy for your child and/or your family



How to find an LGBTQ-friendly community (including inclusive churches)