Teaching kids about homosexuality

[The Stonker]

Pretty good Bob.
Keep them comming.

 

[ShadowsofHope]

You shouldn't teach a kid about homosexuality for the same reason you shouldn't teach them about bestiality or necrophilia. They're not legitimate forms of reproduction or sex, even. They're just weird things people do to things that shouldn't be done to them. Teach them to keep their privates away from animals, dead people, and people of the same sex and then we all win!

Obvious troll is obvious?

 

[101flyboy]

I don't think kids should get lectures about homosexuality forced on them. Just as I don't think they should get lectures about hetreosexuality forced on them. Let kids by nice and naive for a while before dumping all this complicated stuff on them.

If they're curious about the subject they'll ask you in their own due time... Unless ofcourse they don't know yet when they're about to enter high school, then you need to have a serious sit-down.

This seems reasonable on the surface, but it isn't. Because kids encounter heterosexuality and these days in most cases homosexuality on an every day basis. So, it's not something you can hide. Instead you need to teach kids about the facts of life so that when they do encounter these things or start realizing "hey, I'm attracted to ____," they aren't ignorant going into the situation, which could lead to bad decisions being made.

 

[Zorrok the Merciless]

I'm not sure how this could be considered a troll...I'm serious. Homosexuality is on the same level as bestiality and necrophilia. They're all wrong, wierd things that shouldn't happen but do, but only among the strange and confused. Kids don't need to know about any of that weird stuff until they're old enough to understand crazy people.

 

[101flyboy]

Well to be quite frank, hetrosexuality is the norm, as such it should be taught first unless there is a particular reason that warrants the mention of homosexuality (such as a gay family member or school friend, this will come up on it's own anyway, there's no need to force it).

This isn't homophobia, this isn't gay bashing or encroaching on 'gay pride', this is cold, hard speculation.

When dealing with kids it's best to keep things as simple as possible (like I said, if there is a gay family member they see on a regular basis or they are curious enough to bring it up on their own then by all means take the time to explain it and answer their questions), kids are almost guranteed to see hetrosexual people in most places and in the media so it's reasonable enough that this should be taught as what is normal (and most of us don't start developing our sexuality and identity until our teen years anyway).

For a lot of people it can be very stressful and painful trying to discover just what their sexual orientation is, do you really need to bring this kind of stress and pressure onto a kid even earlier? (we already panic enough about kids losing their childhood and being pushed into adulthood, do we need this on top of it?)

I understand and sympathise that homosexual people want more people to be aware of what it is to be gay and that you worry about kids inadvertantly becoming homophobic because of a lack of exposure or familiarity but I feel that you may be worrying over nothing here (hell, statistics show that on the whole things have gotten much better in terms of understanding and acceptance, most people out there are opposed to homophobia, even from previous problem groups such as Churchs and now are very supportive of more rights and equality for people of differing sexualities).

The only stress is starting to understand you like the same-sex and basically being told only heterosexuality is possible.

Most kids have same-sex thoughts. Homosexuality is normal. And homosexuality is a very real fact of life. Most kids encounter homosexual situations or individuals in their lives. Saying homophobia is not real is BULLSHIT. Homophobia is extremely real, which is why LGBT teens are 3-8 times more likely to commit suicide. More or less keeping homosexuality a secret and in the closet creates a culture of stigma, a culture of kids not understanding their feelings, and creates confusion.

There isn't anything not simple about homosexuality, either. Some men like men, some men like women. It's that simple.

Gay/lesbian kids deserve the knowledge, advice, guidance and help that straight kids have.

 

[101flyboy]

No, I do not. I don't think homosexuality should be encouraged, unless it actually comes from the child itself, with as little as external influence as possible.

The same goes for the opposite- The kid will learn soon enough, and probably ask her parents about it- then they should tell her, naturally, as unbiased as they can. If she later finds out she is indeed actually queer, it would be better if she does not have any subconscious issues with it inherited from her parents.

I'm going to have to agree with you.

Me too, it`s not gay-bashing to say this it is merely stating the truth and that is that heterosexuality is core to the human design.

And procreation is just one part of the entire spectrum of sexuality.

 

[Calderon0311]

Kids aren't supposed to learn about "what gets them off" at the age of 7.

They are supposed to learn very basic biology of where babies come from.

Whats next-- should toddlers be taught S&M techniques? Remember kids: make sure you can pronounce a safe word with a ball gag in your mouth!

So wrong and yet so right about the topic.

 

[lettucethesallad]

Kids aren't supposed to learn about "what gets them off" at the age of 7.

They are supposed to learn very basic biology of where babies come from.

Whats next-- should toddlers be taught S&M techniques? Remember kids: make sure you can pronounce a safe word with a ball gag in your mouth!

..except that there's a world of difference between "It's ok for a girl to love another girl" and describing something as graphic as S&M. I'm not talking about going into detail on the physicality of homosexuality with a kid, just to let her know that some people like people of their own gender and that that's fine.

 

[101flyboy]

But there's a difference between learning about sex and teach kids about sexual orientations. Homosexuality is something for when they're a bit older methinks.

Why?

Do you actually believe that people only discover that they are gay or bisexual at an older and "more appropriate" age?

Imagine how it must feel for the early bloomer who have only ben taught about heterosexuality, but feels an attraction towards someone of the same sex. Is it really worth putting them through those years of self-doubt because one thinks that homosexuality is something you should only learn about "when you're a bit older"? :S

The difference here is I think what the kids mother is doing is just teaching her child about the biology side of things, the "mechanics" if you will, not the emotional side. Sexual attraction is something a 7 year old doesn't generally feel, so there isn't really a need to teach them about homosexuality just yet because they aren't likely too encounter it at such a young age. If it comes up during conversation with their child or they ask about it, that's a different matter altogether though.

EDIT: I'm not meaning to say this is how you should teach your child if you do have one, merely explaining the rational of both this parent and the general public. As I said, if asked, parents should explain it, but there's no point in confusing a child with homo and heterosexual unless they actually ask if it happens.

By 7, kids are seeing people holding hands, in relationships, have probably heard about sex, and kids are developing sexually throughout their youth. Kids encounter homosexuality daily in many places. DAILY. Most kids have same-sex thoughts. Hiding this is effectively saying it's not acceptable.

The only confusion comes in where kids are feeling an attraction to the same-sex but don't understand it because they think everyone is supposed to be straight. That is where the confusion comes in.

 

[Popido]

You shouldn't teach a kid about homosexuality for the same reason you shouldn't teach them about bestiality or necrophilia. They're not legitimate forms of reproduction or sex, even. They're just weird things people do to things that shouldn't be done to them. Teach them to keep their privates away from animals, dead people, and people of the same sex and then we all win!

Good point.

After all, the whole point is to make sure that they wont do anything stupid and repeat their parents mistakes.

...
Sorry if you people feel left out, but you're not really that special.

 

[101flyboy]

I'm not sure how this could be considered a troll...I'm serious. Homosexuality is on the same level as bestiality and necrophilia. They're all wrong, wierd things that shouldn't happen but do, but only among the strange and confused. Kids don't need to know about any of that weird stuff until they're old enough to understand crazy people.

Interesting. As far as I know, homosexuality doesn't directly harm something/someone, like necrophilia and bestiality does. Also, as far as I know, homosexuality isn't classified as an illness in any way and is rampant in nature. And, as far as I know, gay/lesbian peeps aren't confused, they are just not straight.

But maybe I'm just imagining these things.

 

[mumakurau]

You shouldn't teach a kid about homosexuality for the same reason you shouldn't teach them about bestiality or necrophilia. They're not legitimate forms of reproduction or sex, even. They're just weird things people do to things that shouldn't be done to them. Teach them to keep their privates away from animals, dead people, and people of the same sex and then we all win!

Good point.

After all, the whole point is to make sure that they wont do anything stupid and repeat their parents mistakes.

i c wat u did thar

 

[Saltyk]

First off, you can tell your child or step child whatever you think is appropriate in this situation. It's not for any of us to say.

I don't see any problem with not telling a seven year old about homosexuality. I'm actually surprised that they are telling the child about sex at all. Kids should be kids. We don't need to burden them with our own stupid prejudices or the truth of the world. There's a reason things were better when you were young. Your parents didn't make you face the dirty disgusting reality. Don't steal their childhood. If they ask about where babies come from, give them a very basic understanding of it. Something like "When a man and a woman fall in love, they can create babies. Often times, this process requires the help of doctors." If they ask for details, as a child, don't give them the gritty details. They are not mature enough to handle the facts of life. And what would a seven year old gain from knowing anything about sex or homosexuality? What seven year old would ask?

Even when they are more capable of handling it, I don't think there is any pressing need to tell of homosexuality. Not for fear of the catching teh gay, but to avoid overload. Sex is a lot for a young person to deal with. Adding to that with homosexuality or bisexuality is unnecessary. And when you do inform them of what it means to be homosexual, tell them in a non-biased way. Something like "Some people are attracted to others of the same gender. It is not very common, but there is nothing innately wrong with it."

Have some sense, people.

 

[Brain_Cleanser]

No, I do not. I don't think homosexuality should be encouraged, unless it actually comes from the child itself, with as little as external influence as possible.

...or the kid might catch the gay?

You would be amazed how many people think they have a sexuality they indeed have not (at least that's what I firmly believe). I feel sorry for people under 18 who claim to be homosexual, as it's more often than not insecurity.

I knew I was gay when I was in like... fifth grade. I'm pretty sure I like the dudes.

Anyway, since homosexuality is such a huge part of society now, it's pretty much not chill to not at least mention it. With my niece, she learned about it pretty quickly (she's 3), because both my aunts (her great aunts) are lesbians, and, like I said I'm gay. At least give it a passing mention, it'll come up sooner or later anyway.


My biggest problem with this whole situation is that she's 7. Isn't that still Stork territory? I didn't get the birds and the bees untill I was 10 or 11.

 

[NezumiiroKitsune]

My children would almost definitely be exposed to my gay friends from an early age and if they were curious I'd tell them, though I completely empathise with people that worry that their children might be conflicted because they can't be sure about their sexuality until at the least their late mid teens, and rarely even then (though I certainly have known people who came out at 16 after years of hiding it, unlike the horde of "bi" people at 13). However, they are going to be exposed to homophobia from quite a young age, and as soon as they hit Middle School or High School (depends on where you live, I never went to Middle School) they are going to either be accused of being gay, or they are going to be accusing other people of being gay because of a lack of understanding. So it is definitely beneficial for children to know about gay relationships, and indeed any sexuality they might come across as early as possible, before the lies and derogatory associations begin.

Young children should also be well informed, though as gently as possible, about sexual deviants that might try to abuse them. I'm not sure if the Just Say No scheme is still in place, but that was a good start when I was a kid, it should just make sure they're aware of what's right and wrong. Abusers are going to manipulate their lack of understanding.

So yes, children should definitely understand relationships between same sex partners, and that those people are just as important and good as any straight person like mummy or daddy. I certainly will be making sure they know. That other thing I mentioned will definitely be much harder, but it's important non the less.

 

[101flyboy]

Homosexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, nonsexuality, etc, it should be said that none of that is important. None of that matters.
Kids should be taught that only love matters, it doesn't matter about the physical sex of the person.
Sure, tell them that only a heterosexual relationship brings a new life into the world (without the intervention of science), but don't make them think they have to go out and have kids. They can be who they want, and be with whoever they want. Plenty of kids out there who need to be adopted by loving parents anyway.

Yes, I agree with this. As long as you're in love and loved in return, what does it matter?

I don't understand people who think that teaching homosexuality to children at a young age either (a) encourages them (eh?) or (b) is somehow inappropriate. I mean, surely by the same viewpoint you could argue that just teaching them about heterosexuality is 100% guaranteed to make them straight, or warning them about child molesters is 100% guaranteed to make them a victim to one. Just by teaching a child that there are people who have sex with people of the same gender and that that's all right doesn't automatically mean your kid is going to be gay.

As I said in my post, this is an entirely different discussion. There's a big difference between explaining the mechanics of sexual intercourse to a child and teaching a child about different sexualities. Especially since this usually stems from kid asking "Where do babies come from?" Babies come from sperm meeting an egg and fertilising it, which generally only comes from, you guessed it! Heterosexual sex.

The birds and the bees are a discussion of sexual relationships. Heterosexuality is not the only open or available sexual relationship.

 

[101flyboy]

no, homosexuality is filled with political bs that kids just wont understand, keep it simple with what most people know, if she encounters it then explain it but otherwise thats a topic for later on.

Keeping it simple is simply telling kids that "some men like men, some men like women." That's as simple as it gets. Ignoring it is not keeping it simple, that's creating a stigma around the situation. Keeping it till "later on" will create a child confused when they start realizing they may not be, and that the society around them, is not 100% straight.

 

[Koski]

Homosexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, nonsexuality, etc, it should be said that none of that is important. None of that matters.
Kids should be taught that only love matters, it doesn't matter about the physical sex of the person.
Sure, tell them that only a heterosexual relationship brings a new life into the world (without the intervention of science), but don't make them think they have to go out and have kids. They can be who they want, and be with whoever they want. Plenty of kids out there who need to be adopted by loving parents anyway.

Exactly that.

 

[One of Many]

My pregnant sister has a 7 year old step-daughter who's in the process of learning about the birds and the bees. I was a little rattled to learn that my sister is only teaching her about hetrosexual relations, saying that it would be 'inappropriate' to tell her about homosexuality at such an early age as the step-daughter might discuss it at school and awkward phone calls from the teachers might follow. Since my sister is in a hetrosexual marriage she argued that it's what her step-daughter encounters on a daily basis, and thus is what she should be taught as the 'norm'.

Do you escapists think that children should be told about homosexuality and homosexual relationships at the same time as they're learning about straight relationships?

Well when I was taught about the birds and the bees, I was learning about how babies were made, not relationships. As far as I know, when a pair of homosexuals have a physical relationship, it doesn't end up producing a baby.

The birds and the bees is inherently discussing relationships. A sexual relationship. Without a sexual relationship, there are no birds or bees.

True, no sex no baby but sex does not equal love. While I would agree that kids should be taught about test tube babies and artificial insemination, what point would there be in adding a blurb saying something along the lines of "Gays are okay and have sex too", when we're teaching kids about the biology part of making a baby?

 

[mental_looney]

At 7 don't teach them about sex or sexuality you can still get away with when a mummy and daddy or even two people love each other very much they have a special hug and it makes a baby then it grows and then you go to the hospital and come back with the baby, it's nothing to do with either orientation just the basic where babies come from as those are two different talks

Yes relationships and orientation are really important but at this stage if it's just basic procreation you don't need to go into relationships or oreientation of either kind in any great details...