Sex education materials meant to explain important basics to kids are too-often not written with an empathic understanding of what those basics are. This is particularly obvious regarding books that include LGBTQ identities. Even when they do hit the mark, many have a limited scope and don’t take into account the practical realities of developing sexuality.

The Pride Guide is written explicitly for the almost ten percent of teenagers who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, or any of the unique identities that are not heterosexual/ cisgendered. It explores sex, dating, relationships, puberty, and both physical and online safety in one resource.

The issue, today, is not whether or not queer youth will get sex education. The issue is how and where they will gather information and whether or not the information they gather with be applicable, unreliable, or exploitative. Equipping teens and their families with knowledge and self-confidence, this work provides the best protection against the unfortunate consequences that sometimes accompany growing up with an alternative gender or identity.

With real-world information presented in a factual and humorous way, responsible adults can teach queer youth to (and how to) protect themselves, to find resources, to explore who they are, and to interact with the world around them while being true to themselves and respectful of others.
Written with these issues in mind, The Pride Guide covers universal topics that apply to everyone, such as values clarification, digital citizenship, responsibility, information regarding abstinence as well as indulgence, and an understanding of the consequences and results of both action and inaction. For LGBTQ youth, this is a resource containing information on the unique issues queer youth face regarding what puberty looks like (particularly for trans youth), dating skills and violence, activism, personal safety, and above all, pride.
Parents and other supportive adults who are motivated to educate themselves and who are interested in gaining some tools and skills around making these necessary conversations less uncomfortable and more effective will benefit from this book. The go-to resource for making informed decisions, The Pride Guide is indispensable for teens, parents, educators, and others hoping to support the safe journey of LGBTQ teens on their journey of discovery.

Jo Langford, MA, is a dad, Master’s-level therapist, and sex educator for tweens, teens, and parents, in Seattle, Washington. He is the author of the Spare Me, ‘The Talk’!, series – guides to sex, relationships and growing up for modern teens and their parents. More about his work to promote healthy, positive, and safe sexual and social behavior can be found at his website, Beheroes.net.

PART ONE: “BORN THIS WAY”
Chapter 1. Biology
Chapter 2. Puberty
Chapter 3. If You Were Born With Female Reproductive Parts
Chapter 4: If You Were Born With Male Reproductive Parts
Chapter 5: Body Image

PART TWO: “TRUE COLORS”
Chapter 6. Identity and the Spectrum
Chapter 7. Expression and the Spectrum

PART THREE: “I’M COMING OUT”
Chapter 8. Coming Out
Chapter 9. Coming Out Bi
Chapter 10. Coming Out Ace
Chapter 11. Coming Out Trans
Chapter 12. Transition
Chapter 13. Passing

PART FOUR: “LETS HAVE A KIKI”
Chapter 14. Dating
Chapter 15. Relationships
Chapter 16. Intimate Violence

PART FIVE: “SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW”
Chapter 17. The Sex Part
Chapter 18. Abstinence and Indulgence
Chapter 19. Casual Sex

PART SIX: “CLOSER TO FINE’
Chapter 21. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Chapter 22. HIV/AIDS 101
Chapter 23. Safer Sex
Chapter 24. Sexual Health

PART SEVEN: “DON’T LEAVE ME THIS WAY”
Chapter 25. Sexual Harm
Chapter 26. Harassment, Abuse & Assault
Chapter 27. Personal Safety.

PART EIGHT: “I WILL SURVIVE”
Chapter 28. SexualIZED Harm
Chapter 29. Coping with Minority Stress
Chapter 30. The Religion Thing
Chapter 31. If Your Family Is Unsupportive…

PART NINE: “(SUPERMODEL) YOU BETTER WORK
Chapter 32: Online Safety
Chapter 33: Porn
Chapter 34. Digital Citizenship

PART TEN: “WE ARE FAMILY” [FOR PARENTS]
Chapter 35. LGBTQ 101 for Parents
Chapter 36. Is My Kid Gay?
Chapter 37. Is My Child Trans?
Chapter 38. My Kid Came Out, Now What?
Chapter 39. The Family That Transitions Together…
Chapter 40. Parenting Your Queer Kid

Longtime therapist and sex educator Langford has written an indispensable guide to a universe of things sexual and social for LGBTQ+ youth and their parents or caregivers. Written in an accessible and always empathetic style, the book is never dreary or didactic. On the contrary, though it deals with serious matters (some of them life-or-death), it manages its material with a light touch; the author has a sense of humor and, happily, it shows. The content is near encyclopedic, ranging from biology to coming out, from dating to “the religion thing,” and from casual sex to personal safety. It is particularly complete and enlightening in terms of its coverage of transgender matters, cutting through the thicket of confusing jargon that usually surrounds this nuanced consideration. Langford also gives welcome, timely attention to things digital, including porn, online dating, and safety. At a time when too many sex-education courses continue to ignore LGBTQ+ issues and kids, the book is essential in providing necessary information and, yes, reassurance, though the author is quick to encourage his readers to do their own research. Aside from its intended audience, this excellent book will be useful for therapists and teachers. It belongs in every library.
— Booklist, Starred Review

This inclusive, though thorough resource respectfully presents information relevant to many queer teens and adults raising LGBTQIA+ kids. VERDICT: Shelve this empowering guide where both parents and teens will find it
— School Library Journal

LGBT teens and their parents will find up-to-date information about a wide range of sexual topics that will help them make more informed decisions about how to navigate puberty and adolescence. Jo’s book is cutting-edge, with up-to-date information, and current thinking about these underserved populations.
— Joe Kort, Ph.D., MSW, MA; author of Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician: The Essential Guide

Yes! Adults now have a resource geared toward the LGBTQ kids in their lives! Jo has an amazing ability to engage the reader in open, research-based discussion on sexuality. His natural style walks you through all the awkward, confusing, and sometimes humorous aspects of this part of human development.
— Jen ORyan Ph.D, PhD

[Jo’s book] adds a much needed voice on sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity. There is a wealth of well-researched information that is presented in a clear, easy to read, format. Educating yourself and your child on this integral aspect of their humanity is the first step in protecting their sexual health.
— David Breland, MD, MpH; Medical Director, Seattle Childrens Gender Clinic

[Jo’s book] is excellent. Very thorough, informative and both youth and parent friendly. I think it is definitely needed within our community…school counselors and staff, therapists, and youth service providers will also find it to be a valuable resource.
— Brenda Newell, LICSW, Sexual Minority Specialist

Just a few pages in and I was already wishing I had this growing up. Jo takes a really warm approach to some of the more complicated aspects of either being queer or raising someone who is. Regardless of your childs identity, this is simply something every parent should read.
— Chris Lange, author and artist of Capitol Hillbillies