The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth by Jo Langford

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. So, I wanted to share with you a book that I think is super helpful for LGBTQ teens. It’s called The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth.

Now, before I dive into it, let me just say that I used to review books on my YouTube channel, but unfortunately, YouTube shut down my channel because of some copyright issues. So, I won’t be going back to YouTube anytime soon. But hey, that’s not gonna stop me from sharing valuable resources with you!

At Sex Ed Rescue, my goal is to make sex education easier for parents, and reviewing books is a big part of that. I mean, why make things harder than they need to be, right? As a busy parent myself, I know that books can be a lifesaver. So, let’s talk about this particular book.

The Pride Guide is written by a psychologist in the USA who specializes in working with teenagers. I’ve been following his work for a while, and I really like what he has to say. Now, I have to admit, this book is a bit on the hefty side, and buying it can be a bit pricey. But guess what? My local library came to the rescue and let me borrow a copy. Gotta love libraries!

Inside this book, you’ll find a wealth of information. It’s written for both parents and teens, which I think is fantastic. You can buy it for your kid, but you can also read it yourself. What’s even better is that it’s inclusive of trans teens too. Finally, a book that talks about bodies without gendering them! It’s not easy to find books like that, you know? And get this, it was published back in 2018, so it was one of the first of its kind.

Let me give you a quick rundown of what’s inside. It starts off with the biology, explaining how genitals are formed and what it all means. Then it delves into gender identity and the spectrum. It also covers coming out and offers guidance on how to navigate that process if you’re bi, ace, or trans. There’s even a section on transitioning and something called passing (I’ll have to look into that one myself!).

But it’s not just about the physical changes. This book also tackles the important stuff like love, sex, and relationships. It talks about dating, healthy relationships, and yes, it even touches on abstinence (because, you know, it’s an American author and they have different approaches to sex education). Then it goes into the usual topics like STIs, safe sex, and even addresses religion and domestic violence. How awesome is that?

Oh, and let’s not forget about the online world. The book covers topics like safe internet use and even addresses porn, but in a non-condescending way. It’s really well-rounded.

Towards the end, there’s a section specifically for parents, with information that can help you support your teen. I think that’s a great addition because, let’s face it, we all need a little guidance sometimes.

Overall, I think this book is a gem. It’s perfect for LGBTQ kids going through puberty. They deserve a book that speaks directly to them, rather than feeling left out or misunderstood. Imagine if your child, who was assigned female at birth, realizes they’re actually a trans boy. If the only puberty books available are pink and targeted at girls, it can make them feel like something’s wrong with them. That’s why books like The Pride Guide are so important.

You see, most publishers focus on books that will sell well, and that often means books about cisgender girls. But times are changing, my friend. Publishers are starting to realize that inclusivity is not only what people want, but it’s also profitable. So, we’re seeing more and more books like this one being published. It’s a step in the right direction.

If you can get your hands on The Pride Guide, I highly recommend it. It’s a valuable resource that will help you better understand your teen and support them as they grow into adulthood. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Alright, that’s all from me for now. Take care and cheers!