Parents of LGBT Children

Dear parent,

We know how shocking and confusing it can be to discover that your child has same-sex attraction or discloses that they are gay. It is good and natural for parents to want to understand more about the lived experience of LGB children or the experience of a child who is experiencing same-sex attraction. It is possible for caregivers to work from a compassionate stance, validating the parent’s feelings and beliefs while also encouraging the parent to continue extending love and grace to their child.

Desert Hope is no longer available to offer direct support, coaching or counseling to parents or offer suggestions as to potential counselors but would like to recommend some of the following resources:

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Recommended Books and Resources

Books:

  • “Embracing the Journey: A Christian Parents’ Blueprint to Loving Your LGBTQ Child” by Greg and Lynn McDonald. A sympathetic, compassionate, and inspiring guide for parents, from the founders of one of the first Christian ministries for parents of LGBTQ children.

  • “Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate” by Justin Lee. Finally, a sensible, loving, and biblically based response to the controversy that pits the church against the LGBT community and that divides Christians from each other.

  • “Love is an Orientation” by Andrew Marin. This book is changing the conversation about sexuality and spirituality, and building bridges from the GLBT community to the Christian community and, more importantly, to the good news of Jesus Christ.

  • “Us vs. Us The untold story of religion and the LGBT Community” by Andrew Marin. Andrew Marin brings the startling findings of his largest-ever scientific survey of the religious history, practices, and beliefs of the LGBT community. Marin’s findings offer clear direction for both sides of a long cultural battle to meet in the middle, sacrificing neither conviction nor integrity as they rediscover the things they have in common and the hope found in Christ alone.

  • “The Heart of Female Same-Sex Attraction: A Comprehensive Counseling Resource” by Janelle Hallman. The fruit of years of training, research and counseling experience, Janelle Hallman has drawn together a comprehensive resource for those who are interested in understanding and counseling faith-based women with same-sex attraction who seek to remain true to a conservative sexual ethic and who are exploring their sexual identity.

  • “Understanding Sexual Identities: A Resource for Youth Ministry” by Mark Yarhouse.

  • “Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth” by Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky. This book offers a measured Christian response to the diverse gender identities (eg. trans, gender fluid, non-binary….) that are being embraced by an increasing number of adolescents. Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky offer an honest, scientifically informed, compassionate, and nuanced treatment for all readers who care about or work with gender-diverse youth: pastors, church leaders, parents, family members, youth workers, and counselors.
    Resources:

  • If you are located in Colorado: Where Grace Abounds, a Christian non-profit organization located in Denver, provides individual and group support for parents. Online groups may also be available for those outside of Denver Metro area.

  • Embracing the Journey: Their mission is to have increasing impact as healing change agents for LGBTQ individuals, their families and churches through additional resources including: new books, curriculum, videos and virtual parent support groups. They provide online groups for parents.

  • Living Stones Ministries offers support for parents including online groups.

  • The Institute for Healthy Families provides support for parents including retreats and online classes.

  • The Q Christian Network also has resources for parents.

  • The Center for Faith, Sexuality and Gender has resources for churches and leaders.


 
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