Parents whose children are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or who are going through a "questioning phase" are often in the dark about what their children face every day. As a result, offering support that will comfort and fortify them feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces.

In Always My Child, Kevin Jennings supplies the missing pieces by guiding parents through the world their child inhabits. He explains what these teens often encounter — teasing and harassment — and offers solutions for parents who want to better understand their LGBTQ children and learn how to protect their self-esteem. He offers advice, including how to:

• Initiate constructive communication with their child

• Respond effectively to frequently asked questions

• Recognize depression and signs of drug abuse and harassment

• Successfully advocate for their child's well-being outside the home

Always My Child makes it possible for parents to create the kind of relationship with their children that allows them to grow into emotionally healthy adults.

INTRODUCTION

1. YOU AND YOUR TEEN: Understanding Your Issues, Making Your Home a Safe Harbor

2. YOUR TEEN AND SEXUALITY: A Frank Look at the World of Today's Teen

3. YOUR TEEN AND SOCIETY: How Cultural Messages about Gender and Sexuality Affect Your Teen

4. LGBTQ TEENS AND THEIR FRIENDS

5. THE GAY, LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL TEEN

6. THE TRANSGENDERED TEEN

7. THE QUESTIONING TEEN

8. LGBTQ YOUTH OF COLOR

9. OUTSIDE THE HOME: Advocating for Your LGBTQ Teen at School

10. DEPRESSION, DRUG ABUSE AND SUICIDE: Recognizing Signs of Trouble

11. YOUNG PEOPLE SPEAK TO PARENTS

12. CONCLUSION

APPENDIX: Guidelines for Taking Legal Action

BIBLIOGRAPHY

RESOURCES

INDEX