Lgbt+ Family Talks
This month is pride month and I couldn't let it go by without addressing our LGBT+ plus family and children 100%. So many parents skate by the conversation with their kids for various reasons and it truly does them a disservice. Our kids deserve the knowledge to navigate this world and be fully aware of who they are coming in contact with. If you truly believe you can shelter your child from LGBT+ members you are wrong. There are many different interactions that will occur between your child and LGBT+ so it's important they understand and have basic knowledge. Other than having access to basic knowledge, teaching them this information shows them respect and empathy for those that are different -or the same- than them which is something our world 100% needs right now. Below are some key terms to get started with (I will also site a link at the end with a much bigger list that is continuously growing for more in depth broader information).
Gender: feelings and behavior attributes to an individual usually , but not alway, consistent with male and female
Sex: Label based on anatomy usually assigned at birth
Lesbian: a woman who is attracted to other women
Gay:a male attracted to another male
Transgender : a person whose gender identity does not match their assigned at birth sex
Bisexual: An individual who is attracted to both male and females
Pansexual: a person attracted to anyone regardless of gender identity
Gender Non Conforming: Not belonging to any one gender, both genders, or floating along the spectrum
- Killerman, S. Comprehensive* List of LGBTQ+ Vocabulary Definitions - ❤ It's Pronounced Metrosexual. Retrieved 4 June 2020, from https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2013/01/a-comprehensive-list-of-lgbtq-term-definitions/
Instead of telling your children there are two genders to start, let them know there are many and the list is growing each day. Gender and sex are not the same and this is key.
Next we will address some great conversational tips to consider:
1- Age appropriate terms: Terminology will look different when discussing these matters. For a toddler responses will look like : Some families look differently, but they are still a family. For teenagers discussing the appropriate terms and their direct meanings and their implications in social settings and how to navigate those is more age appropriate.
2- Make the conversation ongoing: Much like many conversations you start at a young age and as they get older you will add more terms, and definition as their ages, understanding, and maturity grow.
3 Be ready to listen: These talks aren't just about how you feel and the information you are providing but their perspective and applications in their lives. Without listening you might kiss important moments about themselves or others their interacting with. Being ready to listen may also surprise you because your child may already have developed a good and basic understanding from their own observations. We don't give them enough credit by far at all.
These are just a few key tips to get things moving in your home about navigating LGBT+ issues and terms as a family and respectable member of society. Stay tuned as we feature members of the community and show their family perspectives on Liv Black N Bold.