UNCONDITIONAL

Winner of the Sixth Annual Bisexual Book Award for Non-fiction, 2017

#1 Bestseller in Lesbian Studies

Unconditional is a parenting guide book that provides parents of an LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning) child with a framework for helping their LGBT child navigate a world that isn't always welcoming.

Tips from a mother with experience. In Unconditional, author Telaina Eriksen, a professor at Michigan State University, explains what she and her husband have learned through the experience of parenting a gay child. She covers topics like how to handle kids coming out, being an advocate for LGBTQ+ children, how to help your child deal with stress unique to LGBTQ+ kids, and finding a LGBTQ+ family. This book is a must read for anyone who thinks their child is transgender or otherwise LGBTQ+.

A guide for supporting your LGBT child. What if my child is transgender? Eriksen covers the science of gender, understanding gender dysphoria, and how to help a transgender child through the stages of development. What if I have more general LGBTQ+ family needs? Throughout the book, both parents and kids share their stories, and Eriksen directs parents to various resources online for help. This LGBT family book teaches the principles of unconditional parenting, love, and learning.

Inside, learn:

How to advocate for policies that protect your child
Ways to educate well-meaning, but misguided friends or family
Strategies keep your kid talking if your child is transgender or LGBTQ+
Signs of unhealthy relationships
When to consider therapy for your child or your family
How to find an LGBTQ+ community (including inclusive churches)



"This book was enjoyable, informative, and easy to consume. I learned a lot even as an experienced therapist and advocate, and I very much look forward to using it with my clients and friends. It truly reminds me why parenting is the most difficult and insomnia-inducing job in the world, but also why it could be the most deeply rewarding and ultimately the most beneficial for society: it's about teaching people how to love."

-- Dr. Mimi Hoang

"I've always said that if Telaina Eriksen wrote a parenting book, I would happily buy it. In Unconditional, Eriksen provides a pragmatic, empathetic guide for parents raising a child who identifies as LGBTQ. From coming out narratives to safe sex to navigating the public sphere, the book covers significant ground. Backed by research and accompanied by personal narratives, Unconditional offers a big-hearted, much-needed approach."

-- Robin Silbergleid, author of The Baby Book and Texas Girl


"I was fortunate enough to get to meet the author of this book when she was on a panel for Pride Week. I was wowed by her knowledge, compassion, and heart. When I was reading this book, I just kept thinking, 'We all need to hear this, no matter how our children identify. Because as parents, we can make such a difference in the lives of ALL the young people we interact with.' So many children don't have a trusted adult in their lives. This book inspires me to want to be that trusted adult for anyone who needs it."

-- Sherry Richert Belul, author of Say It Now and Simply Celebrate