Video and book resources
that parents may find helpful
Sponsored link.
Special note:
Usually, we do not promote one belief system over another. We
try to explain objectively all points of view on each topic. For example,
on the issue of homosexual orientation we have an essay
covering the full range of six very different belief system s -- two that are
heard often, and four intermediate classifications.
But in the listing of videos and books shown below, we include only material for parental
guidance that accepts
lesbians, gays, and bisexuals as having a sexual orientation that is normal and
natural for a minority of adults.
We do not list ex-gay, reparative therapy, or transformational ministry
resources because of recommendations published by the American Psychological
Association, the American Psychiatric Association. These and similar groups warn
against the lack of efficacy and safety of such conversion therapies.
Movies that you might find helpful:
Gene Robinson, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, & Imogene
Robinson: "For the BIBLE tells me so:"
This DVD
discusses conflicts between conservative Christians and those
advocating
equal rights for persons of all sexual orientations.
Amazon.com's product description:
"Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle
International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining
documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in
the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based solely upon a
significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. As the film
notes, most Christians live their lives today without feeling obliged to kil
anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp.
Through the experience of five very normal, very Christian , very American
families - including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and
Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson - we discover how insightful people of faith
handle the realization of having a gay child. With commentary by such respected
voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve
Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, For The Bible Tells Me So offers
healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of
scripture and sexual identity."
"Prayers for
Bobby:" This is a made for TV movie based on a real story. It was broadcast on Lifetime,
and is
available on Itunes to U.S. purchasers, from
Zshare.net, and may
eventually be generally distributed on DVD. Sigourney Weaver and Ryan Kelley star as mother
and son. The mother's conservative Christian faith is shattered when her son
commits suicide because of homophobia. She eventually becomes an advocate for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons) concerns. See:
http://www.mylifetime.com/
Books that you might find helpful:
Carolyn W. Griffin & Marian J. Wirth: "Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians & Gays Talk
About Their Experiences:"
Reviewer Michael Bronski wrote on Amazon.com:
"Various people speak about how they came to their misinformed views about
gayness, their religious beliefs, their fears that friends will abandon them
after finding out about their child's homosexuality, and their anxieties about
AIDS. Often people find similar solutions to their problems, and sometimes
different ones, but in all cases the message is that understanding, love, and a
need to own up to, and dispense with, ignorant homophobic attitudes can bring
families back together in a wholesome and nurturing manner. Frank, informed, and
filled with insights and practical suggestions, Beyond Acceptance is a
fine addition to the literature on homophobia and families."
Bryce McDougall:
"My Child Is Gay: How Parents React When They Hear the News"
Amazon.com's review:
"Written by parents who have a gay or lesbian child, this compilation of letters
can help parents deal with feelings of confusion, embarrassment, guilt,
or anger, while showing how ordinary families have found love, happiness, and
normalcy again. Updated with new stories and experiences, this edition
acknowledges that while a brave child often takes time to come to terms with his
sexuality before sharing his feelings, parents are often shocked and overwhelmed
with little time to react. Together these letters reaffirm the healing power of
support and allow those with first-hand knowledge to outline the steps toward
understanding and the importance of helping their children share the truth."
Mary V.
Vorhek: "Coming out to parents: Two-way survival guide for lesbians and gay men
and their parents."
"Listed by American Bookseller as 'among the most important gay and lesbian
books that should be represented in any general bookstore,' Borhek's original
edition of this book (1983) has also been praised as 'sound, sympathetic, and
helpful' (St. Luke's Journal of Theology). In this thorough revision, Borhek
brings an additional decade of personal knowledge and experience to bear on
the subject of coming out."
"Prayers for
Bobby:" This is a made for TV movie based on a real story. It was broadcast on Lifetime,
and is
available on Itunes to U.S. purchasers, from
Carolyn W. Griffin & Marian J. Wirth: "Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians & Gays Talk
About Their Experiences:" 
Bryce McDougall:
"My Child Is Gay: How Parents React When They Hear the News"
Mary V.
Vorhek: "Coming out to parents: Two-way survival guide for lesbians and gay men
and their parents."
