Wisconsin Life, Congressional Check-In, Death Series, Advice For Parents Of Gay Children

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time

Being the parent of a gay child brings a set of unique parenting challenges. We talk with a guest who has advice on dealing with the difficult conversations while remaining supportive and loving. In Wisconsin Life, hear about a unique varsity basketball team in Wisconsin. We also find out what our members of Congress are up to this week, and we hear the story of how one man started planning for his death after a terminal diagnosis.

Featured in this Show

  • As Its Title Makes Clear, New Book Is ‘For Parents Of Gay Kids’

    A new book is helping parents find the right words when providing guidance for a child who has come out as gay.

    Kristin Russo co-authored “This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids” along with Dannielle Owens-Reid. It’s written in an accessible question-and-answer format and is becoming a popular go-to resource for parents hoping to understand and communicate with their gay child.

    “This is the book gay kids want their parents to read,” Russo said.

    Before writing the book, Russo and Owens-Reid co-founded of the website Everyone Is Gay, a project that works to improve the lives of LGBT people by touring the country and visiting students at schools.

    During the tours, Russo and Owens-Reid kept hearing the same questions.

    “We had kids always asking us, ‘Can you please create something for my parents, can you come out to my parents for me?’” said Russo. “We looked to see what resources were already out there and we didn’t find very much. And our nature is to do it if it hasn’t been done.”

    Russo said coming out is a process, not just a moment. She stressed that it tends to be a little awkward for everyone involved, especially if it takes a parent by surprise.

    It isn’t uncommon for parents to say something unintentionally hurtful just by being caught off guard. Russo said it’s important for parents to go back to the child to apologize and clearly articulate a more thoughtful response.

    Beyond questions of whether it’s just a phase or if it will lead to increased promiscuity, Russo cautions parents not to ask, “Are you sure you’re gay?”

    “It takes away some power from your child, and (whether they’re certain) shouldn’t matter. As a parent, your kid is coming to you and sharing a very important part of themselves with you,” Russo said. “So even if they’re not 100 percent sure, acceptance is what they’re looking for.”

  • This Week In Congress – November 12, 2014

    USA Today Politics and Congress Editor Paul Singer joins Central Time for his weekly update on happenings in Congress.

  • A Guide For Parents Of Gay Children

    While coming out to family can be one of the most daunting moments in a child’s life, parents are the ones most often lost for words. A co-founder of the gay parenting website Everyone is Gay, shares strategies for parents to communicate effectively and lovingly with their gay children.

Episode Credits

  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Marika Suval Producer
  • Galen Druke Producer
  • Kristin Russo Guest
  • Paul Singer Guest