At what age do you think it is appropriate to teach kids about homosexuallity ? 18 ? 21?

Answer 1

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First thing they need to teach is God does not condone homosexuality, which is an abomination in the sight of Almighty God.

Answer 2

By 18 or 21, sex education should have been completed (although for some of the questions and comments in Yahoo answers there are apparently a lot of "drop-outs." The point to good sex education is to make the information appropriate to the age. For example, it does not do a lot of good to tell 15-year-olds about the changes of the body in puberty - that boat has sailed. On the other hand, including condom use in a sex-education class for 11 and 12 year-olds is equally silly. The same thing about "homosexuality" or alternative lifestyles. Some information needs be given at that time when kids are becoming aware of sex (10-12,) but that information should be edited to the needs of the kids and the promotion of tolerance
(here is a Canadian site about development and education:
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/parents/sexuality-4.aspx )
Just as a sex education course for 13-15-year-olds would have a different focus from puberty, so the information on homosexuality given at that time should begin to discuss more complex issues than the possible experiences of mutual masturbation. In other words, teach kids (and adults) what they need to know about sex in general (including homosexuality) so that they can make informed and (hopefully) intelligent choices in their lives.

Answer 3

18 or 21 is way too late. By then they know what they've learned on the street, and they probably didn't learn it with caring and love. As soon as a child is old enough to ask questions, they should be answered, simply and matter of factly. You don't have to give any more details than you would about the portion of sex education you give them about straight people.

But when they notice that somebody has two dads or two moms, you can say yes, most of the time men fall in love with women and women with men. But sometimes men fall in love with men, and women with women. You don't have to put a value judgment on it at this point, or describe what might happen in the bedroom. Just an acknowledgment of it is fine. As they mature and ask questions about straight sex, so might they ask questions about homosexuality. Answer them both with the same level of candor. By 14 or 15, a kid should have a pretty good idea of what sexual orientation is, as he'll be forming his own.

Answer 4

I believe that kids should learn about homosexuality at the same time that they learn about heterosexuality... about 11, or whatever time the child is deemed mature enough to get the talk.

Homosexuality is really no different than heterosexuality when it comes down to it, except for the fact that so many LGBTQ youth feel that they are abnormal, are persecuted, and are at a higher risk for STDs because they are not educated about safer sex for same-sex intercourse.

I think that kids should have a comprehensive, mature sex ed class in which it is ok to ask questions and to be different from the person sitting next to you. This would ideally include hetero-, bi-, and homo-sexual safer sex tips, complete education about HIV/AIDS and other STDs, breaking down myths, birth control, some abstinance, abortion, and masturbation.

I am not advocting, as some people are keen to think, that teachers encourage orgies in the halls. I am just saying that kids should be taught what they need to know so that they don't endanger themselves or others, whether that's through harassment, disease, or knowing that they are not abnormal.

Answer 5

Whatever age they figure it out, and by 18 or 21 they will have known for more than 10 to 15 years.

Answer 6

Just like sex, it should be taught in different age-appropriate degrees. Mechanics are not appropriate at very young ages, but if a friend has "two mommies" or whatever, that should be acknowledged. Certainly by puberty, most likely before then, if only in general terms. 18 is too late. By then many gay kids already know they are different and they need to know what to call it and that they are not alone.

Answer 7

I think there is no inappropriate age, IF you consider how you say what you're trying to say. If it's put in terms kids can understand, then I think they'll get it just fine and not be harmed or anything (they get that mommies and daddies live together, and somehow produce children; that latter part would make it seem that teaching them about heterosexuality is far worse for them, yet it can't be avoided)

Answer 8

Same time they teach Sex-Education in schools. They are going to experiment with something new at a young age. I sure wasnt 18 before I tried new things ;)

Answer 9

Since I believe that sexuality is determined at birth and can not really change, as soon as a youngster asks a question is a good time. The important part is to be honest and not put judgement and emotion in the answers. Let it be straight to the point. All will be well then.

Answer 10

Four to 8 years of age.

Answer 11

18 and 21? I'm sure by then they'll know about it. I think that it should be discussed much earlier...basically either when they show a curiousity about it...maybe because of something they hear on television on the radio, in school wherever...or when they're ready.