How to Teach Children About Gay Issues

With more and more gay characters on TV and states across America legalizing same-sex marriage, your children are likely to ask you about gay issues at some point. Whether you have many gay friends or family members, don't know any gay people or are somewhere in between, teaching your kids about gay issues is crucial for helping them develop tolerance and compassion. If you know or suspect your child is gay, teaching him about LGBT -- lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender -- issues should include information about safer sex.

Instructions

    • 1

      Explain that both opposite-sex and same-sex couples can have loving, committed relationships, and that gay relationships entail many of the same joys and struggles as straight ones. Your child should know that both gay and straight people can get married and raise children.

    • 2

      Talk about gay sex at an age-appropriate level. If your child is young, all he needs to know is that gay people can be parents, but gay and straight couples don't create babies the same way. If your child is old enough to understand the mechanics of sex, give him accurate information about sexual contact between two women or two men. Use this discussion as a springboard for talking about condom use.

    • 3

      Tell your child that it's unacceptable to use "gay" as an insult. Discuss the negative stereotypes of LGBT people and the way homophobia manifests in perpetuation of those stereotypes. Talk about stereotypes that have hurt your child before or that she has seen hurt other people.

    • 4

      Read about the history of the gay rights movement. Not only does this help your child develop an appreciation of the struggles LGBT people face, it teaches him that activism is important.

    • 5

      Encourage your child to participate in or start a gay-straight alliance at school. Show support for the group's activities and volunteer to help. When you address the issue of LGBT bullying with your kids, they become advocates for helping to stop it.

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