Special Topics in Being a Parent

A Queer and Tender Guide to Things I’ve Learned About Parenting, Mostly the Hard Way

by S. Bear Bergman
illustrated by Saul Freedman-Lawson

An illustrated guide of practical parenting advice informed by queer experiences for anyone doing the work of parenting, from the author and the illustrator of Special Topics in Being a Human

Being a parent is enormously joyful, but it is also an enormous amount of work. Parenting requires you to make dozens of decisions a day, every one of which in some way shapes the person your child will grow into. It can be difficult to know in these moments whether you’re on the right track. Progressive parents especially can feel adrift when caregiving in ways that were not modelled for them.

From S. Bear Bergman—advice columnist, educator, and queer dad with fifteen years of parenting under his belt—comes Special Topics in Being a Parent, a witty and insightful collection of child-rearing tips for those in search of realistic ideas about screens and lunches that don’t come with a side order of judgment. Using his own choices—and errors—by way of example, Bergman offers suggestions for various stages of the parenting journey, from asking “Are we ready to have a kid?” to talking with children about diversity and difference, to questioning gender expectations placed on both kids and parents. With plenty of humor and compassion, and featuring charming illustrations by Saul Freedman-Lawson, this guide helps parents to live their parenting values while enabling their kids to grow their capacities, understand the world, and above all, feel connected and loved.

Paperback | 328 pages | Arsenal Pulp Press | 2024

S. Bear Bergman is a multiple award-winning author, storyteller and performer. After publishing six books, touring the US and Canada as a storyteller, winning audience choice awards at three consecutive US Gay & Lesbian Theatre Festivals, Bear has settled into a life of mild-mannered parent by day and foul-mouthed Bad Fairy emcee by night. He also tells touching queer stories about home and family, gives stirring trans-pride talks to rouse a crowd, and enjoys finishing the day of work with a microphone in one hand and a brunette (preferably his husband) in the other.