Teaching kids about homosexuality

[Guestyman]

It really depends on what the topic of the discussion is as to when you can bring up homosexuality to a child. Since the child is 7 and asking "Where did I come from?" her parents should just tell her where she came from. There's no need to be talking about sex as a recreational activity when she's just asking about procreation.

When she is entering puberty and her parents are giving her the "You may start having... urges" talk, then it's an appropriate juncture for them to bring up Homosexuality if they so choose. If they don't, then it is possibly appropriate to approach her and mention that sometimes people are also attracted to the same sex and if she ever feels that way and can't tell her parents you are always there as an alternative to talk to. That is only appropriate if you say that and then *leave it at that* otherwise you go from helpful to creepy and invasive.

 

[DudeistBelieve]

I probably wouldn't. Unless I see statistics to the contrary where half of the male/female population is gay, the child ending up being gay is a unique circumstance IMO. Nothing wrong with it, but it's complicated as it is with out bringing it up, handle it as it comes, I say.

Most people have same-sex thoughts. And, it doesn't even have to be about the kid being gay, but the world around them, that there are people who are gay. It's not something you can avoid, or pretend doesn't exist. And it isn't complicated. It may be for you, but in reality, it's just the fact some men like men, some women like women. And that's all you need to say to your kids.

Well generally I don't think kids need to have any kind of frank sexual talk till their teens (beyond don't let anyone fondle your junk). Still even having those same-sex thoughts doesn't make you gay, I just think it's a non-issue. It's not like initially introducing the kid to straight life-style as the norm is going to make him/her not gay, and once it's clear that they are gay you switch play books. No harm no foul. I haven't read anything that leads me to believe that the chance of having a gay child is 50%.

I think sex and relationships in generally are confusing enough to begin with, to further complicate it would just confuse the child more. Hell I don't know about the rest of you, but I didn't really fully comprehend how sex actually works until I watched porn on the internet.

I'm not really knocking it, not against homosexuality in anyway, just... well first off is it really going to be beneficial? Secondly how do you explain it? Cause then you have to get into the topic of homosexual sex, and this is all fine and dandy if the kid is at least mid-teens but for a ten year old or younger? Eh it just seems like a giant headache that, I as a future parent, don't want to be bothered with until I know my kid actually are gay.

 

[JochemDude]

go into detail about a fetish?

Failure.

Way to expand. Purpose of life is to reproduce. Going against that is abnormal. I'm sorry but being a homosexual isn't an identity its just a preference.

Failure on your side for that ignorant statement

 

[101flyboy]

Yes, they should absolutely be informed of both at the same time.
The way I see it, what's the fucking difference?

Its not like giving them information about something will make them more interested in it.
However, it has been proven over and over and over time after time after fucking time that withholding information makes something more interesting to people. We want to know why we're not being told something. Don't make a big deal out of this kind of thing, because it isn't a big deal.

And I'm sorry to OP, but your sister sounds like a bigot to me if she's trying to set heterosexuality up as the "norm". Because that is exactly what all of the bigots do, regardless of what they are prejudiced against: they set their own situation up as the "norm" and devalue everything else or at least whatever they deem to be the "opposite" or "abnormal".

This all stems from how I view the issue as a whole: it doesn't matter if sexuality is biology or if its a choice; neither case is a valid reason to deny someone their human rights.
And encouraging ignorance in children is a step towards encouraging bigotry and hatred in children.

But thats the point, isnt it? It all stems from how YOU view the issue. Which is fine, everyone has opinions. But his sister doesnt view it the same way, nor do I. How does that make it right to call us bigots? No, you didnt call me a bigot directly, but a blanket statement like that certainly includes me.

Because if the shoe fits..............

 

[TWRule]

I'd say no. There's nothing wrong with parents talking about both, but not at the same time and heterosexuality first.

I wouldn't teach them both at the same time for the same reason I wouldn't try to teach the kid multiplication and division simultaneously with addition and subtraction. Let them get a firm grasp on the basic concept of sexuality first, then discuss differing instances.

The basic concepts of sexuality, includes homosexuality.

And the basic concepts of integer mathematics include addition and subtraction as well as multiplication and division, but they are different relations. The important thing is that the child understands the absolute sense of the relation - the essence, which is difficult to do if you simultaneously present them with a juxtaposition of manifestations.

The essence? So, basically, birds and bees=mommy and daddy=baby. Yeah. The thing is, we aren't talking about mathematics. We are talking about humans. Children. Yes, it's important for a kid to know WHY people are created. But if you think that's the end all, be all of what a kid will ask, and what a kid needs to learn...........no.

No, you completely misconstrued what I was saying. The essence is not the representations.

Whether we are talking about the phenomenon of mathematics or the phenomenon of sexuality, or any other idea, we cannot merely show the manifestations.

If you need another example, take art. Imagine trying to explain what art is to someone who has no concept of it. If you start pointing at examples, and say: "This is art, so is that, and that", etc. then you confer no understanding to the listener. They need a deeper grasp of why two of these examples might be called art - the essence of what art really is. In some part, this must be done through their own intuitive experience, but you can guide them in the right direction by providing a single simple definitive concept stripped of complications and nuances. Later on, with experience, they will come to see the nuances and you can help them explore those further at that point.

 

[LightspeedJack]

Teaching kids that it's ok to be homosexual from a young age is one way of beginning to eliminate homophobia and homophobic bullying. Unfortunatley there is still a massive part of the population who consider homosexuality to either be "wrong" or a kind of stigma.

 

[Criquefreak]

I'm a strong believer in the idea that: If a person's ready to ask a question, they're ready to hear the answer. So in teaching a child, it's full disclosure in appropriateness to the specific question at hand. It's best to avoid adding in one's personal politics in the teaching of children, but as often as it happens, I try to hope the child doesn't just adopt some biggotry along the way.

As far as these paranoid beliefs that some people have of 'undesired sexual orientations', a child is far more likely to experiment with something that is presented to them as 'forbidden' or 'deviant' because they almost always go through periods of rebellion. If you just present them the facts without bias, as though it's no big deal, they might try it for themselves only if they feel a personal draw to the idea.

From what I gather on more legitimate studies, you're either born a certain way or not, there is no becoming anything physiologically or psychologically. For that matter, it's far worse to try and live in denial in hopes of appeasing less tolerant family or friends (theorized suicide statistics of closeted individuals is kind of alarming).

Probably the one thing that a child should be taught above all else is tolerance of all persons in the world, even if one doesn't agree with their actions (besides, we have police and military forces for when things actually are bad as opposed to just viewed so). When it comes to tolerance of non-action matters, it's just wrong to condemn a person for something they never had any control over.

 

[Boommin]

I saw what you said. You said life is about making babies. And that made me chuckle.

No you clearly didn't you said

top 10 reason why people have sex

Which isn't the same. I said the purpose of life. Meaning naturally we all will grow up and eventually spawn a child. Common sense This doesn't mean every time we have sex its for that purpose. So you didn't say the same thing.

Abnormal doesn't mean wrong, how on Earth would you believe that I said it was? I don't believe in normality. No-one is normal. Like, you believing the purpose of life is to make babies. That certainly isn't normal, but of course you're entitled to your abnormal position.

Ummm maybe you saying

Going against that is abnormal? I guess that means a lot more people are abnormal in your eyes. Since the procreation rate has been going down quite a bit these last years. Must be a lot of abnormality running around.

isnt being sarcastic like I thought you were? Meh bad.

Homosexuality is just a preference? So, when did you choose to prefer women? When you knew you couldn't procreate with men? I didn't think heterosexuals had a choice to decide whether to be with men or women.

Yes homosexuality is just a preference no duh.Just like playing RPGS is my preference. I never choose to love it, but it was chosen by my DNA and my environment bro. You sound like someone who is angry and insecure about your sexuality. Just because you choose to be something doesn't make it impact everything you do. No matter what you do your nerves will still find it pleasant to have sex with a woman. No matter if you prefer men.

Oh, and I never said you like women, either. I don't know what you like, but I guess it wouldn't be a wild assumption that you fuck women just to make babies, and thus think that you've done your duty to the world. How proud a feeling that must be for you, if you've had it

You kinda implied it

So, when did you choose to prefer women?

 

[101flyboy]

Nah, just let kids figure it out what homosexuality is the same way I did...by clicking on a shitload of wrong links whilst searching for porn.

Hahahahaha.............seriously though, that's an unhealthy way to learn about sex.

 

[Boommin]

go into detail about a fetish?

Failure.

Way to expand. Purpose of life is to reproduce. Going against that is abnormal. I'm sorry but being a homosexual isn't an identity its just a preference.

Failure on your side for that ignorant statement

Well, call me when rational thought isn't being ignorant.

 

[GreyKnight3445]

yes

 

[Blitzwarp]

I teach my children to treat everyone how you want yourself treated. I make sure that I encourage them to make a decision about whether or not they like a person base off how the other person behaves, ie are they mean, friendly, insane, etc. I feel my wife and I have done very well with this, because both my boys have friends that are white, black, latino, etc. I feel that teaching them in this way will also encourage them to treat someone the same whether or not they are gay or straight. Either way, they are human beings, and deserve the according respect.

However, I still do not agree with, nor will I be teaching them about homosexuality, when they come to me about the birds and the bees. If they come to me and ask me about it, then thats different, and I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

No, sorry, I'm confused. You're teaching your children that all people ought to be treated equally, yet you're withholding information about homosexuality from them because...? (Also, without meaning to be offensive, I have to add that 'my boys are open-minded because they have black and Latino friends!' is only really one step up from 'I'm not racist because I have black friends'.)

EDIT:

go into detail about a fetish?

Failure.

Way to expand. Purpose of life is to reproduce. Going against that is abnormal. I'm sorry but being a homosexual isn't an identity its just a preference.

I don't plan on reproducing, I plan on adopting. Does this mean I am a failure at life? D:

 

[Boommin]

go into detail about a fetish?

Failure.

Way to expand. Purpose of life is to reproduce. Going against that is abnormal. I'm sorry but being a homosexual isn't an identity its just a preference.

I don't plan on reproducing, I plan on adopting. Does this mean I am a failure at life? D:[/quote] Where did you get failure from? Being different isn't being wrong. Silly

 

[Wildcard5]

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.

But still, they should not be handled equally, as heterosexuality is still the norm- and the natural way to reproduce. If the children are gay, they will probably find it out themselves. The important thing is to then make sure they are neither ashamed or feel otherwise repressed.

I am in one hundred percent agreement.

My stance is that everyone should learn about their sexuality at their own pace.

 

[motyr]

7 is a fine age to teach a kid about homosexuality. Someone called me gay in a condescending way at school when I was around 6, so I went home and asked my mom what it was. I still remember parts of her explanation, which was done in a very unbiased and calm way. I knew almost immediately, even then, that I didn't think that I was homosexual or would ever be homosexual. I'm sure the step-daughter would know as well. I think it'll be fine.

 

[Blitzwarp]

Where did you get failure from? Being different isn't being wrong. Silly

From the fact that, from your standpoint, if I don't reproduce, I am abnormal. I am not following my purpose. Therefore I am failing. Therefore I fail at life.

 

[101flyboy]

I saw what you said. You said life is about making babies. And that made me chuckle.

No you clearly didn't you said

top 10 reason why people have sex

Which isn't the same. I said the purpose of life. Meaning naturally we all will grow up and eventually spawn a child. Common sense This doesn't mean every time we have sex its for that purpose. So you didn't say the same thing.

Abnormal doesn't mean wrong, how on Earth would you believe that I said it was? I don't believe in normality. No-one is normal. Like, you believing the purpose of life is to make babies. That certainly isn't normal, but of course you're entitled to your abnormal position.

Ummm maybe you saying

Going against that is abnormal? I guess that means a lot more people are abnormal in your eyes. Since the procreation rate has been going down quite a bit these last years. Must be a lot of abnormality running around.

isnt being sarcastic like I thought you were? Meh bad.

Homosexuality is just a preference? So, when did you choose to prefer women? When you knew you couldn't procreate with men? I didn't think heterosexuals had a choice to decide whether to be with men or women.

Yes homosexuality is just a preference no duh.Just like playing RPGS is my preference. I never choose to love it, but it was chosen by my DNA and my environment bro. You sound like someone who is angry and insecure about your sexuality. Just because you choose to be something doesn't make it impact everything you do. No matter what you do your nerves will still find it pleasant to have sex with a woman. No matter if you prefer men.

Oh, and I never said you like women, either. I don't know what you like, but I guess it wouldn't be a wild assumption that you fuck women just to make babies, and thus think that you've done your duty to the world. How proud a feeling that must be for you, if you've had it

You kinda implied it

So, when did you choose to prefer women?

1)I ADDED that fact, which ties into "life is about babies." You said life was about babies. Most people disagree with that assertion, which is the point I was making. Life isn't just about having babies. What ones' individual purpose of life is, is their individual purpose. There is no absolute purpose of life for everyone.

2)Saying "we all grow up to spawn a child" is a false statement. That's common sense.

3)I was being sarcastic, but does my sarcasm mean I was being negative? No, I was being critical of your assertion that life is about making babies, when most do not agree with that assertion. And you stating it's abnormal to think otherwise. Basically, I was making fun of not the abnormality, but of you. Guess you didn't get it.

4)I'm angry and insecure of my sexuality, because you made a ridiculous assertion life is for babies. Hahahahaha. That's funny.

5)Gay men are not attracted to women. They do not get hard from women. They don't prefer men. They are attracted to men inherently. As far as "not impacting everything you do," being gay means, actually, you're gay. It doesn't mean you are gay, but also straight. Sexual ORIENTATION doesn't work that way, bro.

6)I did imply it. Why? Um, because, you say sexuality is a preference, and you prefer women. Straight men don't have two options, it's not "do I prefer men or women." They are attracted to women because they are straight. So, really, you're implying you are not really straight. But that's up to you to clarify.

 

[101flyboy]

and you already think "Boys are smelly" or "Girls have Cooties" it may lead to you assuming you are gay. Sure, they'd find their true sexuality eventually, but puberty is already confusing enough.

Saying "some men like men, some women like women" doesn't=you are gay, because you think women are gross. That's something that, obviously, should be clarified and if properly discussed, it wouldn't lead to confusion. And as a kid gets a bit older and starts coming to grips with their attractions, they won't be thinking "I like girls, but I'm gay." Do people ever do that? No, they grow out of it, they develop. But with some basic education they can develop but be at least aware of what they are feeling to begin with. The only confusion would come in not teaching kids about the realities of life appropriately or at all.