8 Best-Selling LGBT Parenting Books Millions Love

Jon Cooper, chairman of The Democratic Coalition, and other experts recommend these best-selling LGBT Parenting books with proven value and broad appeal.

Jon Cooper
Updated on June 26, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the evolving world of LGBT parenting. These 8 best-selling titles capture the diverse experiences and challenges faced by LGBT families, offering insights that have resonated with millions. As LGBT parenting continues to shape social and family dynamics, reliable, expert-endorsed books provide the guidance and understanding that many seek today.

Jon Cooper, chairman of The Democratic Coalition and a longtime advocate for LGBT rights, personally connects with "Love Makes a Family," a book that features his own family's portrait. His endorsement highlights how these books offer authentic, real-life perspectives alongside professional expertise, making them valuable resources for those navigating LGBT parenting.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and heartfelt stories, readers looking for content tailored to their unique LGBT parenting journey might consider creating a personalized LGBT Parenting book that combines these validated approaches with their specific needs and goals.

Best for authentic family stories
Jon Cooper, chairman of The Democratic Coalition and longtime advocate for LGBT rights, shares a deeply personal connection to this book, revealing that a family photo of his from 27 years ago was featured within its pages. His endorsement carries weight, reflecting both his commitment to LGBT issues and the book's enduring relevance. "This photo of my family — taken 27 years ago — was featured in a book called ‘Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBT Parents and Their Families,’" he notes, highlighting how the book captures authentic moments that resonate across decades. His story underscores the book’s power to represent families often overlooked, making it a meaningful resource for anyone exploring LGBT parenting.
JC

Recommended by Jon Cooper

Chairman of The Democratic Coalition

This photo of my family — taken 27 years ago — was featured in a book called “Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBT Parents and Their Families.” It doesn’t include our youngest girls (identical twins) who weren’t born yet. The baby in this photo is getting married in October! ❤️ (from X)

Unlike most LGBT parenting books that focus solely on theory, this volume combines intimate interviews and vivid photographs to explore the real lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered parents and their children. The authors, drawing on diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, reveal how family dynamics transcend traditional gender roles, emphasizing respect, understanding, and love despite societal prejudices. You’ll find voices from every family member, showing how children flourish in these environments, backed by evidence that challenges conventional family structures. Chapters offer candid reflections on managing homophobia and celebrating familial bonds, making this a useful read for anyone seeking an authentic look at modern family life.

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Best for research-driven insights
Abbie E. Goldberg, professor of psychology at Clark University with a PhD from University of Massachusetts and clinical training at Yale, brings decades of research on diverse family transitions to this work. Her extensive study of same-sex parent families and their evolving identities underpins the book’s thorough exploration of parenting challenges and social contexts faced by lesbian and gay couples. Funded by major institutions including the National Institutes of Health and the American Psychological Association, Goldberg’s expertise establishes this book as a key resource for understanding LGBT family dynamics.
2009·233 pages·LGBT Parenting, LGBT Families, Gay and Lesbian, Family Life Cycle, Parenthood Transition

After years researching family dynamics, Abbie E. Goldberg developed this book to map the complex experiences of lesbian and gay parents through the family life cycle. You’ll find detailed insights into how same-sex couples navigate the transition to parenthood, balance shifting roles, and engage with institutions like schools, drawing from both qualitative stories and quantitative data. The chapters unpack challenges from relationship formation to parenting young adults, with attention to children’s perspectives as they mature. This book suits those seeking a nuanced understanding of family processes in LGBT contexts, especially professionals and scholars interested in psychology and social sciences.

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Best for custom parenting plans
This AI-created book on LGBT parenting is designed specifically around your family’s unique challenges and needs. By sharing your background, goals, and areas of interest, you receive a book that focuses on the parenting methods most relevant to your life. Customization is especially valuable here because every LGBT family navigates different dynamics and legal landscapes. This tailored guide offers you focused insights and approaches that speak directly to your experiences, making your journey as an LGBT parent more informed and confident.
2025·50-300 pages·LGBT Parenting, Family Dynamics, Legal Challenges, Emotional Support, Co-Parenting

This tailored book on LGBT parenting mastery explores proven methods that address the unique challenges faced by diverse families. By combining widely validated knowledge with your personal background and interests, it delivers a learning experience that focuses specifically on your family’s needs. The content examines parenting approaches, family dynamics, legal considerations, and emotional support strategies, all tailored to your goals and circumstances. Through this personalized guide, you engage deeply with topics most relevant to you, gaining insights that resonate with your lived experiences and aspirations as an LGBT parent.

Tailored Content
Family Dynamics Expertise
3,000+ Books Created
Best for gay dads exploring adoption
Kevin McGarry is a prominent advocate for gay parenting, sharing his personal journey of adopting and raising children as a single gay man. His experiences highlight the emotional and practical challenges faced by gay men in the adoption process, providing valuable insights and support for others in similar situations.
2003·120 pages·LGBT Parenting, LGBT Families, Fatherhood, Gay Biography, Adoption Process

What started as Kevin McGarry's personal challenge to become a father despite societal and legal barriers evolved into a deeply informative guide for gay men navigating adoption. Drawing on his firsthand experience as a single gay man raising two sons, McGarry offers a candid look at the emotional struggles, financial realities, and legal complexities involved in the adoption process. You'll gain practical knowledge on conducting homestudies, understanding costs, exploring international adoption options, and reviewing state-by-state laws. This book is especially helpful if you're a gay man considering parenthood who wants both personal insight and concrete information on adoption pathways.

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Best for practical parenting guidance
Arlene Istar Lev, LCSW-R, CASAC, brings decades of experience as a family therapist specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families. As founder of Choices Counseling and Consulting since 1986, she has a deep understanding of the unique challenges LGBT parents face. Her expertise shapes this guide, providing realistic and compassionate advice for those building families in the 21st century.
2004·400 pages·LGBT Parenting, LGBT Families, Gay and Lesbian, Family Therapy, Co-Parenting

Drawing from her extensive work as a family therapist, Arlene Istar Lev offers a grounded perspective on the realities of gay and lesbian parenting. You’ll find detailed guidance on navigating legal, social, and emotional challenges, enriched by personal anecdotes that bring these issues to life. The book dives into topics like co-parenting arrangements, adoption, and fostering resilience in children, making it a solid resource if you’re preparing to build or support an LGBT family. While it doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles, it equips you with practical insights to face them confidently.

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Best for non-biological mother perspectives
Harlyn Aizley, author of Buying Dad and a respected voice in LGBT family narratives, brings a unique insight to this book. Drawing on her personal experience and extensive writing background, she delves into the rarely told stories of non-biological lesbian mothers. This collection highlights the complexity and love involved in redefining motherhood, making it an important read for anyone curious about modern family structures and LGBT parenting.
2006·192 pages·LGBT Parenting, Lesbian Biography, Family Dynamics, Co-Parenting, Motherhood Roles

Unlike many parenting books that focus solely on biological roles, this collection shines a light on the nuanced experiences of non-biological lesbian mothers. Harlyn Aizley, drawing from her own journey and those of others, explores what it means to redefine motherhood beyond biology, offering candid, often humorous, and deeply personal narratives. You’ll encounter stories by women who embrace new parenting roles while navigating societal expectations, such as Hillary Goodridge’s landmark involvement in same-sex marriage advocacy. This book suits anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of LGBT parenting or those wanting a heartfelt glimpse into the complexities and joys of family building beyond traditional definitions.

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Best for rapid parenting progress
This AI-created book on LGBT parenting is crafted specifically for you based on your background, skill level, and goals. By sharing what areas of parenting you want to focus on, the book provides a tailored exploration that fits your unique journey. It makes sense to have a customized guide here because LGBT parenting involves diverse experiences and challenges that a one-size-fits-all book can't fully address. This book focuses on the topics and steps that matter most to you, helping you make meaningful progress in your parenting journey.
2025·50-300 pages·LGBT Parenting, Family Dynamics, Parental Roles, Child Development, Emotional Resilience

This tailored LGBT parenting book offers a focused, step-by-step guide designed to accelerate your journey through parenting in a diverse family context. It explores key parenting concepts, from nurturing emotional resilience to navigating social challenges unique to LGBT families. The content is personalized to match your background and specific goals, ensuring that each chapter addresses what matters most to you. By blending widely valued knowledge with your individual interests, this book reveals practical approaches and thoughtful insights that millions have found helpful, concentrating on rapid progress and meaningful outcomes. This tailored guide turns established parenting principles into a customized learning experience you can apply immediately.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Progress Methods
3,000+ Books Created
Best for transgender parenting experiences
Trevor MacDonald, who started the influential blog MilkJunkies.net, brings firsthand experience to this memoir about transgender fatherhood. Having founded the first online support group for trans people interested in pregnancy and breastfeeding, Trevor’s work has reached over half a million visitors and influenced health research and policy changes. His voice offers you a rare and candid window into the complexities of pregnancy, birth, and infant feeding from a trans dad’s perspective, making this book a valuable resource for anyone curious about or living transgender parenting.
Where's the Mother?: Stories from a Transgender Dad book cover

by Trevor MacDonald, Fiona Giles··You?

2016·280 pages·LGBT Parenting, Transgender Biography, Transgender Issues, Parenting, Pregnancy

The methods Trevor MacDonald developed while navigating pregnancy and breastfeeding as a transgender man offer a perspective rarely explored in parenting literature. You’ll gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy, childbirth, and infant feeding from a trans dad’s point of view, including how to manage gender dysphoria during traditionally female-coded experiences. Chapters address practical topics like sourcing donor milk and adapting breastfeeding after chest surgery, blending personal narrative with advocacy. This memoir suits anyone seeking a deeper understanding of transgender parenting realities, especially those interested in the intersection of identity and family-building.

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Best for adoption policy and psychology
David Brodzinsky, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University and Research Director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, brings decades of clinical and developmental psychology expertise to this book. Alongside Adam Pertman, Executive Director of the same institute, they address the complexities and evolving practices around adoption by lesbians and gay men. Their combined backgrounds lend authority and depth, positioning this work as a key resource for understanding and improving adoption experiences for sexual minorities.
2011·288 pages·LGBT Parenting, Adoption, LGBT Families, Gay and Lesbian, Family Diversity

Drawing from decades of research in clinical and developmental psychology, David Brodzinsky and Adam Pertman examine the evolving landscape of adoption by sexual minorities. You’ll gain a nuanced understanding of the legal, psychological, and social challenges faced by lesbian and gay adoptive parents, along with the persistent biases that affect them. The authors offer specific insights into best practices for social workers and policymakers, illustrated by case studies and empirical research. This book is particularly useful if you’re involved in adoption services, social work, or interested in the intersection of family diversity and law. It balances scholarly analysis with practical recommendations, making it a solid resource for advancing fair adoption policies.

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Best for two-dad household advice
Eric Rosswood is a bestselling author and recognized expert on LGBTQ parenting with over 100,000 followers on Twitter. Featured in outlets like The Washington Post and CBS News, Rosswood leverages his deep understanding of civil rights and parenting to guide gay dads through the unique challenges and joys of raising children in LGBTQ families. His book reflects both his public advocacy and personal insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to confidently navigate fatherhood in a two-dad household.
2017·248 pages·LGBT Parenting, LGBT Families, Adoption, Surrogacy, Family Law

Eric Rosswood brings his extensive experience as a bestselling author and LGBTQ parenting expert to this focused guide for gay dads. Drawing on research and real-world insights, the book walks you through key aspects like finding LGBTQ-friendly pediatricians, navigating questions about your family, and celebrating occasions like Mother's Day in two-dad households. It offers tailored advice that replaces traditional parenting advice aimed at mothers with relevant strategies for gay fathers, including legal, educational, and practical perspectives. If you're preparing to build or expand your family in today’s social climate, this book equips you with the knowledge to confidently embrace fatherhood.

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Conclusion

This collection of 8 best-selling LGBT parenting books reveals common themes: authentic family experiences, rigorous research, and practical guidance. For those who prefer proven methods, "The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide" offers actionable advice, while "Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children" presents research-backed insights. Those seeking validated approaches can combine narratives like "Love Makes a Family" with focused guides such as "The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads."

If your parenting journey involves specific challenges like adoption or transgender experiences, books like "Fatherhood for Gay Men" and "Where's the Mother?" provide nuanced perspectives grounded in real-world experiences and expert knowledge.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized LGBT Parenting book to combine proven methods with your unique situation. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in building and nurturing their LGBT families.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Love Makes a Family" for heartfelt stories that offer a broad view of LGBT parenting. It’s a great way to connect emotionally before diving into research or practical guides.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to LGBT Parenting?

Not at all. Titles like "The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide" provide clear, practical advice suitable for beginners and experienced parents alike.

What's the best order to read these books?

Consider starting with personal narratives like "Confessions of the Other Mother," then move to research-heavy books such as "Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children," followed by practical guides tailored to your family’s needs.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your needs. For example, "Fatherhood for Gay Men" suits those exploring adoption, while "Where's the Mother?" focuses on transgender parenting. Each book offers distinct value.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children" leans toward theory and research, whereas "The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads" and "The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide" focus on practical parenting strategies.

Can I get tailored advice beyond these books?

Yes! While these expert books are invaluable, creating a personalized LGBT Parenting book lets you combine popular methods with insights tailored specifically to your situation, making learning faster and more relevant.

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