Resources for Friends

by Rainbow Rumpus Staff Writer

Websites and Blogs

Depend: voluntary organization whose aim is to provide support, advice, and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK 

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays UK: an organization of parents of lesbian daughters and gay sons which seeks to promote the well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people and their families and friends

Gay Family Support: one mother’s story and helpful links and information

Matthew Shepard Foundation: started by his parents to honor his memory, the foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance” through its varied educational, outreach, and advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story

PFLAG: Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: founded in 1972 by one parent, this national nonprofit organization now has over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States and other countries.

Straight Spouse Network: a supportive community for current or former spouses of gay or lesbian partners

TransFamily: founded to provide support and education for transgender persons and their families, friends, and significant others; started by the parents of an FTM (female-to-male) son.

Print Resources

Marcus, Eric. Is It a Choice? Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gay and Lesbian People. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2005. Written for adult allies.

Marcus, Eric. What If Someone I Know Is Gay? Answers to Questions About Gay and Lesbian People. New York: Price Stern Sloan, 2000. Written for teen allies.

Stevenson, Michael R., and Jeanine C. Cogan. Everyday Activism: A Handbook for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People and Their Allies. New York: Routledge, 2003.

Woog, Dan. Friends & Family: True Stories of Gay America’s Straight Allies. Los Angeles: Alyson Books, 1999.