How young is too young to introduce a child to homosexuality?

Question

There is a book called Heather has Two Mommies. It was written in 1989 and has sparked numerous controversies.

I understand that some school districts want to introduce this book in pre-school/kindergarten. What do you think?

Answer 1

I'm not sure the book matters anymore. I know of almost no one of child bearing age that doesn't have any gay friends at all -- the child (any child) is very, very likely to get exposed to the real thing, at least in the Northeast, and so doesn't need a book. Perhaps in the Deep South, where most gays are still closeted that wouldn't be true -- I don't know.

We have several straight friends who have always brought their kids with them to visit. A couple of them have eaten our D and D dice along with their parents,' have spit up on our rug, teethed on our book cases, and call us uncle reyn and uncle jonathan. Derrick in particular took until he was 4 to separate us, for the longest time we were Reynathan, whichever one he was talking to -- you could pick the word out. It was adorable. Just recently he realized that Jonathan was Jonathan and I was Reyn -- and he was quite puzzled for a couple of weeks by the novelty of thinking of us as two people.

Seriously, I think the time for this discussion is long past, at least in the north; I also think that's why the fight against it has largely died down in the north -- the people who really cared have grown children now, who generally don't care despite their parents bigotry and have gay friends, whom they think nothing of "exposing" their children to -- or in some cases, having babysit. (Under NO circumstances do I change diapers -- that's up to Jonathan)

Kind thoughts,

Reynolds
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Answer 2

There are more reasons to do so than not do so. Helping a child to understand human nature and all of it's usual, and some unusual, aspects is a good thing. Some argue that if a child learns about homosexuality, they will like it and even turn to it. They don't accept the high degree of probability that homosexuals are born, not made. But they are almost certainly wrong.

Education that makes the world look like a Pollyanna rose garden is worse than no education at all.

Answer 3

I think it's fair. Young children are subject to heterosexuality from the day of their conception, starting with the Disney movies, always the prince and princess, never prince and prince or princess and princess. I personally believe that sexuality is a predetermined biological trait, but on the chance that it's not, homosexuality should be introduced in couple with heterosexuality, so that young people receive a balance of both, and can make an "educated" decision towards their sexuality as they get older.

Answer 4

What about it? It isn't as though they are going through teaching them the "how to" of homosexual sex, it's nothing more than bringing up an awareness to the fact that some children DO have two mommies or two daddies. There is nothing wrong with it at all. Little things like that go a long way in curbing bullying and violence.

Answer 5

That's kind of a tough one. I think that if a child happens to notice a same sex couple and asks about them, I would be honest and say they are in a relationship and love each other, or something along the lines of that. I wouldn't just randomly sit my kid down and give them a speech about homosexuality anymore than I would sit them down and go into detail about heterosexual couples. I think that conversations regarding sex should be saved for when they are older and able to understand, but not to the degree that sex becomes taboo. In other words, if they ask answer, but if not just let them learn when they are ready.

Answer 6

I don't think there is anything wrong with it. My girlfriend and I have a son in kindergarten. I dont think it's too young. Some of our childs friends have noticed that he has two mommies. I don't think their is anything wrong with letting kids know that all families are not the same as their own.

Answer 7

That is too early because a child's mind needs to develop in order for she/he to understand what sex is.All children learn to tell the difference between 4-5 years of age.Most children have sex play and this is perfectly natural.This behavior mimics both homosexual and heterosexual behavior.It's natural and parents should explain sex behavior in a positive way that children can understand

Answer 8

Honestly I think the younger the better. When a child is 3 all you have to say is this is the lady that Aunt Mary loves or this man means so much to Uncle Mike. I don't think a 3 year old will have any questions or problems with it & they might be less likely to be homophobs.

Answer 9

I think a child should be atleast in middle school when and if they learn about homosexuality. I think its the 7th grade when students take "health" class and learn about puberty. I think its perfect if they learn about sexual orientations then too. Or atleast the 8th grade (14 yeards old.)

Answer 10

I say introduce it as early as possible. The more "normal" we make it, the more "normal" the gay community will be. Not that anyone is really normal, but you understand what I'm saying, I hope. I think this is a great book and parents shouldn't be so darn uptight. (I have 3 kids, and have dated women, and they are three really cool kids) They are not racist or sexist or stereotypical and I am proud of them.