Speaking Out: Families of LGBTQ+ Advance the Dialogue

Speaking Out: Families of LGBTQ+ Advance the Dialogue is an interview project inspired by the author's daughter in the spirit of pushing back against current hateful anti-LGBTQ+ politics and trends. Including 19 interviews with LGBTQ+ people and parents of LGBTQ+ people who describe their journeys and their growth over time, the book is intended to provide connection and to suggest pathways-ones to take and to avoid--for people who may be struggling with their children or families. Coming from a wide range of backgrounds and experience, the participants share their stories as a form of activism, in the hopes that giving readers the opportunity to know them will start to dissolve stereotypes and promote acceptance. They address a range of topics, but all answer the question, "What do you want to say to the parents of LGBTQ+ people?"

These families had different starting points: some had to deal with the dissonance of beliefs and perspectives that too often cause people to reject their children; others, though lacking such baggage, still had to deal with minority stress and with how that has affected their children (and them). Full-length interviews resist hyper-abbreviated ways of sharing and knowing. Proposing connection and visibility as a response to bullying and hatred, they invite readers to dwell for a moment with the courage of LGBTQ+ people and their families, and to admire and celebrate their resilience.

"Research has shown the life-saving impact of family acceptance and how the sharing of stories has the power to change hearts and minds. The difference here is that this book collects the journeys of both LGBTQ+ people and parents of LGBTQ+ people who share the challenges they faced and offer candid insight into their growth over time. These stories emphasize how LGBTQ+ youth deserve our very best, which includes listening and responding in ways that are genuinely thoughtful, sincere, and loving."

-Cathy Renna, Director of Communications, National LGBTQ Task Force

"These paired accounts represent a sea change in acceptance of sexual diversities, an encouraging multi-generational cheer. Wishing my parents had been able to read this book when I was growing up and glad to have this compelling resource for all of us now."

-Loraine Hutchins, co-editor, Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out