Coming Out as Parents: You and Your Homosexual Child [Paperback]

David K. Switzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

David Switzer helps parents understand their reaction to and feelings about discovering that their child is gay or lesbian. He explores recent research on homosexuality, emphasizes the need for reconciliation, and deals with common parental responses to the child's disclosure.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

When gay men and lesbians decide to tell their parents of their sexuality, they have probably already made many trips to the library and (one hopes) found many up-to-date resources on gay sexuality, history, and health. But too often parents find themselves with a severe information deficiency on receiving the news. These two books address the topic of homosexuality specifically for parents of gay children. Beyond Acceptance is the better book. The authors enthusiastically endorse P-FLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) as central to their counseling, effectively re-create typical meeting discussions that address the outrage, fears, and emotional distress many parents feel when a child comes out. Libraries that already have a previous edition of Beyond Acceptance (LJ 5/1/86) should consider buying this revised edition, which has an additional chapter on AIDS among other updates. Switzer, a theologian and counselor who has assisted many men and women in coming to terms with their sexuality and also has ministered to many parents of gays, aims his book at religiously conservative parents. He argues that sexual orientation is neither the parent's nor the child's fault; and, if parents must see their gay child as a trial of faith, love and Christian compassion rather than condemnation and hatred should be their response. Switzer uses biblical references throughout to placate and comfort even the angriest of parents. Both books are recommended. All public libraries need a copy of Beyond Acceptance, and libraries serving more conservative communities should consider Coming Out as Parents.?A. Arro Smith, San Marcos P.L., Tex.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

David K. Switzer is Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas. He is the author of several books and articles on pastoral care and counseling.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664256368
• ISBN-13: 978-0664256364
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for the family of gays and lesbians., January 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Coming Out as Parents: You and Your Homosexual Child (Paperback)

This book provided insight into the dynamics of "coming out" for gays and lesbians and the reaction of family members. I bought this book for myself as a sibling and my parents who are questioning and doubting themselves in relation to the fact they have one gay child, i.e. "what did we do wrong?" The book provided insight into the basic social and spiritual questions that arise in the minds of questioning parents. It was wonderful, insightful, and it made me more comfortable with this topic regarding discussions with others as well as my family. It also had some very helpful additional resource information in the back. It's definitely a lot of book for a little bit of money.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good book to read in the early days of the news, February 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Coming Out as Parents: You and Your Homosexual Child (Paperback)

A good book to help understand the emotional journey that parents go through during the first year or so of the news that their child is a homosexual. It is written in a compassionate way.

It's short -- less than 100 pages. I would suggest reviewing the table of contents (shown in Amazon) to see if it looks like it is going to address your worries/concerns.

By the end of the book, there is a sense of hope that all will be ok (although different than what your individual dreams might have been for the son or daughter) but the emotional and spiritual journey the news spurs upon you and your spouse is difficult and challenging.