Based on eight years of advocacy and research, Abigail Garner debunks the anti-gay myth that children of gay parents grow up damaged amd confused in her new book Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is. At the same time, Garner's book refutes the popular pro-gay sentiment that these children turn out "just like everyone else." Using a blend of journalism and memoir, Garner offers empathetic yet unapologetic opinions about the gifts and challenges of being raised in families that are often labeled "controversial."

• Millions of children in the United States have at least one parent who is gay or lesbian.

• What is it like to grow up in a gay-parented family?

• Do children of gay parents grow up to be gay, too?

How do kids of gay parents feel about our society that questions the validity of their families? Debates about gay parenting continue among politicians, religious leaders, schools and the media, typically focusing on parental rights rather than considering the children's perspective. The author of Families Like Mine (HarperCollins, 2004), Abigail Garner grew up in a gay family during the 1970's and 80's. Weaving stories from her childhood with those of other sons and daughters, Abigail brings an honest portrayal of the diverse experiences of children living in gay families. Whether these children grow up in supportive communities or endure daily harassment, they all know that plenty of people disapprove of--and even hate--their families. How are children of gay parents affected by the constant anti-gay messages that are directed towards their families? Abigail speaks on behalf of those who are caught in the middle of the political and moral debates: the children, who just want to be safe with the parents who love them.
 

OUR HERITAGE: HOW PEOPLE WITH LGBT PARENTS ARE INFLUENCED BY QUEER CULTURE
*Suggested Audiences: LGBT parents; LGBT people considering parenthood, service providers who work with LGBT parents and their teen and adult children.

• What are queer family values?

• How do these values -- including "unconventional" notions of gender and sexuality -- shape and influence children as they reach adulthood?

• How can LGBT communities support and nurture their bi-cultural daughters and sons who might still identify as “culturally queer,” even after “coming out” as heterosexual?

"Our Heritage" reveals how the needs and experiences of teen and adult children of LGBT parents are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted. For Abigail Garner, facing adulthood and “coming out” as straight meant risking rejection by the very community in which she grew up. With honesty and humor, she helps parents explore what kind of influence their cultures and values have on their children. Parents also become aware of how they can raise their children in LGBT communities with pride -- without fostering “straight shame.”

SO THAT ALL STUDENTS MAY LEARN: MAKING SCHOOLS SAFE FOR GAY FAMILIES AND STUDENTS
*Suggested Audiences: Teachers and School Administrators

With an estimated 10 million children in the United States with gay or lesbian parents, there's no denying that these families are everywhere.

• What is it like for these children at school?

• How does name-calling and bullying affect these students, as well as students who may be gay or lesbian?

• Are schools doing enough to prevent hostile classrooms and hallways?

Abigail Garner's presentation addresses what educators need to know to make their schools safe for all students.