What follows is a list of books that are available to borrow from PFLAG Spokane. Annotations to follow, suggestions for additions welcome. Please contact Encouragement@PFLAG-Spokane.org to request a loan (books delivered and returned at regular PFLAG meetings).
Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think About Abortion by Gabrielle Blair.
Blair makes the case that all unwanted pregnancies are caused by men ejaculating irresponsibly, and that if men took responsibility for their fertility, they could dramatically reduce abortions.
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe.
This memoir is written in graphic novel format. Kobabe articulates and illustrates er* struggle to discover eir non-binary self. E puts into words all the things e didn’t have words for as a young person, and brings the reader along on that journey of self-discovery.
*e, em, eir are the pronouns Kobabe uses for eirself.
A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming The Faith by Brian McLaren.
While there is only one short chapter on human sexuality in this book, this is a great book for Christian parents, friends, and family with LGBTQ loved ones, and Part VII, “The Sex Question,” is placed within the context of the other ten questions that all point toward a more human and loving version of the Gospel.
Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teens, 2nd ed. by Kathy Belge and Marke Bieschke.
As the title suggests, Queer‘s primary audience is meant to be teen readers. I suspect a third edition will come out relatively soon as the shifting political sands will quickly make some of the information out of date, but most of the advice in the book is solid, based in safety and consent, caution and communication. If my child were coming out today, this is likely one I would gift her.
This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson.
Trans Sex: A Guide for Adults by Kelvin Sparks.
As well as a lot of good information on safer-sex practices, and trans-specific considerations, this guide also includes an in-depth discussion of medical transitioning and the many options available.
UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of The Bible on Homosexuality by Colby Martin.
Vows: The Modern Genius of an Ancient Rite by Cheryl Mendelson.
Written from a largely hetero-normative perspective (and acknowledging that perspective), Mendelson explores the history of the western wedding vow through time in the first half of the book, and then explores their more current application to a broader set of relationships.