What’s age-appropriate? How to teach children about LGBTQ

Here’s a short excerpt from the church leaders’ session at the Affirmation 2021 conference: "Discussing Pastoral Care, Support, and Inclusion for LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Their Families,” with panelists Evan Smith | Kate Mower | Carson Perez | Rebecca Solen | Bobbie Lee-Corry

Bobbie Lee-Corry (who identifies as queer and agender): “A lot of parents may not feel that talking about queer folks is age-appropriate. Why does the pure love you have for someone else need to be age-appropriate? In general we should be able to talk to our children about many things, even difficult things in life. Where do we think queer adults come from? I think a lot of us have a lot of trauma from childhood, listening to the ways our parents speak about queer people because they never once considered that their child could be queer. Talk about us honestly and kindly, and talk about us early because you never know if your child might be LGBTQ. If they are, they will know that they can talk to you. If your child isn't gay or transgender, they will emulate your example of the kind ways you speak of and treat others.”

Evan Smith (father of a gay son): “That’s so important. The editor of my book, Marci McPhee, was stake Primary president and has had an ongoing website for Primary teaching resources for several years. Marci did a post [cross-posted on the PrimaryinZion and GayLDSCrossroads blogs] about teaching children about LGBTQ folks. What's important to remember is you don't have to talk about sex when you're talking about LGBTQ matters. It's just how people love. Some people love boys, some people love girls. You can explain gender dysphoria in a very straightforward way too. You don't have to be talking about adult topics just because you're talking about LGBTQ people.”

Hear more of this dynamite session at Affirmation 2021 International Conference (register for free).