Pride and Joy: A Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Parents

by Sarah Hagger-Holt, Rachel Hagger-Holt

There have always been lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) parents. But now there is a 'gayby boom'. Changes in social attitudes, the law and medical technology mean that more LGBT people are becoming parents, and living proud and open family lives. Yet there are still few role models. Pride and Joy is full of stories, advice and real-life experience from LGBT parents and their children. Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, sometimes surprising, every story sheds new light on what it’s like for LGBT people raising children in the UK and Ireland today. Pride and Joy is positive and practical. It covers everything from starting a family, dealing with schools, talking with children about different families, and maintaining an LGBT identity as a parent. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand issues facing LGBT families including parents or prospective parents; extended families and friends; and social workers, teachers and other professionals.

Genres: Nonfiction, Queer, Parenting

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2017

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really insightful, personal account of being an LGBT parent. I flew through it in a couple of days, and really enjoyed reading everybody's stories. I only wish that there was more practical advice on IVF - while it had a chapter in this, it more focuses on the emotional decision making, rather than like a step-by-step guide of conceiving as an LGBT parent. I also wish that there was some examples of trans and cis relationships that had a child together, rather than already having a kid before they came out. I would have found that useful! However, for what it is, this book is a really lovely read, and has given me some food for thought, and more options to look into. I'm glad it was written - there aren't many parenting books for LGBT folks!

[Aeryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great to read about all the different ways LGBT families move through the world. Provides insight and information on many different ways that people can be parents and family formations, with a diverse group of contributors and family setups. Sometimes it seemed the author's relied too heavily on certain contributors, who were repeatedly quoted in different sections and I would have liked to hear more from trans contributors.

[Lizzie Bananas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Wonderful case studies showing how LGBT families, however they find themselves, face a range of momentous moments.

Do double-check more recent sources on specific legal questions eg on birth certificates but is pretty up to date for UK law when it was published (2017).