Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

As a queer person, I feel like this book, which is written extremely well, accurately reflects how me and a majority of my friend group feel about parental support around coming out and being there for us through anything

Without a doubt, this book is one that every parent/carer of an LGBTQIA+ child should get after their child has taken the brave step to talk to them. It will help break down fears, provide explanations, and give the reader the support to aid their child in any way that is needed.

I liked that whilst providing information, the chapters are far from overwhelming so that you won't feel like you're drowning in information whilst still processing emotion and the ‘where do we go now?’ Each chapter has a brief set of questions that can help the reader break down both what they've read and how they may be feeling at that point.

The author, John Sovec, is a therapist who works with families of LGBTQIA+ children, so his information you're provided with is taken from years of experience. His way of explanation is compassionate and comprehensive as it comes to the discussion of the various ways a child will come out, whether in regard to gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

As a parent of two transgender boys, I have been there alongside their journey of both their gender identity and their sexual orientation. Whilst it was somewhat easier than it could have been because we are accepting of our children and I myself am nonbinary? Mistakes were made, and that's natural, and no parent should break themselves apart because of it. I do wish there had been a book such as ‘Out’ just to try and catch ourselves before we made them or doubt their identity with those dreaded words ‘Is it a phase?’ (I'll preempt a read and say to you - don't say that to your child.)

Above all, this book will give you the facts, the phrases, and the support you will need. You will make mistakes, and you will struggle, and you will mourn for the maybe, and all of this is explained succinctly and gently. There is a constant that is so true. The author will remind you that you need to listen to your child and you need to love them just as much as you did before and to be kind. That sounds obvious, but it's good to be reminded by someone who has seen countless people come through the process of a child coming out and discovering themselves.

Out is exceptional. It's a book that's been needed and wanted for a long time, and I highly recommend it to every adult whose child is LGBTQIA+. It should be available to anyone in childcare, education, and therapy and suggested to anyone as the default guide to be the best you can when your child needs you.

Thank you, John Sovec, for writing this for every LGBTQIA+ child who needs their parents/guardians to be their protector and first line of support.

Thank you to #Netgalley and #JessicaKingsleypublishers for allowing me access to this arc for review.

John Sovec has written a pivotal book, examining what is needed to support children, as they come to terms with their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. He provides a coherent, compassionate discussion on all areas of transitioning or coming out as a child comes to terms and acceptance of their identity.

The overriding message is to listen to your child and respond with love, kindness and compassion. To assist parents in adequately supporting their children, Sovec has constructed well-thought-out self-reflective questions at the end of each chapter. The purpose this serves is to enable the reader to examine their own beliefs, prejudices, misconceptions, etc.

Out is a truly, outstanding book, examining the impact of coming out as LGBQTIA+ on the child, parents and family. Sovec writes as an experienced LGBQTIA+ counsellor of children and their families, so he knows his subject well.

This book should be essential reading for anyone involved in childcare, schools and further education. Out provides helpful information and tools for all, not just parents.

Review posted to Amazon.

I read this as an educator looking for tool tips. I don't think it does a great job of covering the whole of LGBTQIA+, and it felt weak in areas on being "out".

A very important piece of informative literature. Being gay or lesbian or any other orientation is a normal, common thing and sadly, there are still people denying it and not seeing is as this. From persona experience, i can say that a certain environment can impact the way you see yourself, leading to feelings of repression or denial. And even when you leave a very non-LGBTQ+ friendly environment, there's still the parents, the relatives, the people you left behind that must know at some point. It's hard and it takes a lot, but as long as you're true to yourself and proud of who you are, that's what matters. Great read, and well put together.

Thank You @netgalley For The Advanced Access To, "Out: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Your Lgbtqia+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond" by John Sovec, LMFT
1) This Page is A Safe Space and I Read Books From ALL Voices... It's The Only Way To Learn and Grow.
2) The Title Says "A Parent's Guide" But Really It Is A Guide For Every Adult In A Queer Child's Life.
Aunts, Uncles, Teachers, Bosses, Grandparents, Etc. How You Behave/React Matters Tremendously To The Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Welfare Of The Youth Around You.
3) You Are Not Expected To Have All The Answers or Be Perfect. But You Are Expected To Lead By Example and Try... Try To Understand, To Learn, To Love, To Look Past Your Ego, To Nurture, To Support, To Protect, To Love To Love To Love.
In This Book, You Will Find Plenty of Information, Tips, Questions, and Resources For Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Loved One

I wish this book was available when I came out to my parents, not just a book for parents of LGBTQIA+ children, this book should also be read by educators.

OUT manages to educate without ever lecturing and even as an out and proud gay man it taught me how important it is to stay educated on different groups within the LGBTQIA+ community