The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide

by Lev, Arlene Istar

• ISBN13: 9780425191972
• ISBN10: 0425191974
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-11-02
• Publisher: Berkley Trade

Summary

Gay parenting is a productive and positive decision, but author and lesbian mother Arlene Lev admits it isn't always an easy one. With practical wisdom and advice, and personal real-life stories, Lev prepares gay parents for this endeavor with everything they need to know and everything they can expect while making their own significant and challenging mark on family life in the 21st century.

Author Biography

Arlene Istar Lev, CSW-R, CASAC, is a family therapist who specializes in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people and their families. She is the founder of Choices Counseling and Consulting, which has been serving the Albany, NY, area since 1986.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD	xi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	xv
INTRODUCTION	1	(18)
Part I: Now That You've Decided to Become a Parent	19	(110)
CHAPTER ONE: "Alternative" Families	21	(28)
CHAPTER TWO: Paths to Parenting-Family-Building Options	49	(32)
CHAPTER THREE: Roadblocks on the Family-Building Path	81	(23)
CHAPTER FOUR: The Realities of Parenting	104	(25)
Part II: Building Healthy Families	129	(80)
CHAPTER FIVE: Queer Family Life Cycles	131	(29)
CHAPTER SIX: Couples, Families, and Support Systems	160	(28)
CHAPTER SEVEN: Protecting Our Families: Matters of Hearts and Courts	188	(21)
Part III: When the American Dream Becomes a Nightmare	209	(44)
CHAPTER EIGHT: Divorcing till Death Do Us Part	211	(26)
CHAPTER NINE: Nightmare on Elm Street	237	(16)
Part IV: Family Life	253	(86)
CHAPTER TEN: Coming Out and the Politics of Language	255	(29)
CHAPTER ELEVEN: Sex Talk	284	(29)
CHAPTER TWELVE: Godless Homosexuals and the Light of the Spirit	313	(26)
ALL GOOD BOOKS MUST GO TO BED	339	(7)
APPENDIX A: Bibliography on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Parenting	346	(4)
APPENDIX B: National and State Resources of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Organizations	350	(5)
APPENDIX C: On-Line Internet Resources for LGBT Parents and Wanna-Bes	355	(8)
APPENDIX D: LGBT Family Magazines	363	(2)
INDEX	365