Includes bibliographical references (pages 305- 311) and index.
Contents:
Family of origin. Coming out to grandma ; When the family rule is "don't ask, don't tell" ; Family gatherings ; Our families, ourselves ; We can choose our family! ; Warm welcomes and family allies -- Family of creation. "You aren't the 'real' parent" ; When bad things happen to our kids ; "Ins and outs" of parenting ; On the lookout ; "Are we being selfish?" ; It takes a village, people! -- Religion. "My family thinks our relationship is an abomination" ; Looking for God in all the wrong places ; True confessions ; Good religion gone bad ; Letting our light shine ; Finding higher ground -- Work. The unfriendly workplace ; Cleaning out the work closet ; Testing the waters at work ; Are you for real? ; Taking pride to work -- Neighborhoods and local communities. Getting a bad deal ; I wanna hold your hand ; Out on the town ; What will the neighbors think? ; It's a beautiful day in the gayborhood -- Laws and policies. Going to the chapel ; Stepping out and looking in ; Good help is hard to find! ; Yours, mine, and ours ; Until all are equal -- A future where we thrive and flourish.
Summary:
This book helps couples work together to identify, develop, and use their strengths and skills to successfully navigate these issues and flourish. Tough tasks like confronting prejudice will never be easy, but thanks to the stories, tools, and resources presented in this book, readers will learn to manage such situations in a positive way. Learning activities in each chapter guide couples to become more aware of the causes of stress in their relationship, and to take positive actions to strengthen their commitment. Readers will learn how to cultivate the strengths of their LGBTQ identities, assert appropriate boundaries, create supportive relationships with others, and contribute authentically to their families and communities.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.