A Selfish Argument for Teaching Children About "The Gay"

If the simple fact that it is good to teach children about the world around them and that people can be different is not enough for you, this handy guide is here to help! There are a number of selfish reasons to educate children at all ages about LGBTQ+ issues (or just the existence of LBGTQ+ people, as some recent bills have prohibited).

Pictured: The asshole semi-responsible for the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Ron DeSantis

First, if your child is LGBTQ+, a lack of knowledge on these issues can be detrimental to their mental health to a staggering degree. I was personally raised in a conservative home and not properly equipped with a knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues. The lack of being able to express myself truly partially led to a psychotic break that required multiple hospitalizations and months of recovery. Were I allowed to explore this part of me growing up, I could have avoided years of feeling trapped and had far less trauma as an adult. It is impossible to say whether I could have avoided my break. However, after coming out and living my most authentic life, my mental health has significantly improved – as noted by my medical team. LGBTQ+ education would have had a positive affect on my mental health from an early age, potentially stopping other issues from cropping up later in life. I would have given anything to be allowed to understand and explore this part of myself at a young age.

But perhaps your child’s mental health or wellbeing is not enough to motivate you for one reason or another.

Perhaps you *know* that your child isn’t LGBTQ+. Putting the possibility you are wrong aside, LGBTQ+ erasure drives a wedge between your child/family and LGBTQ+ individuals. While not a majority, LGBTQ+ people make up a significant enough portion of the population that they permeate society. Intolerance puts yourself and all others around you at a distinct disadvantage in today’s world. Further, many large companies have shown an unwillingness to be seen as against LGBTQ+ rights. Actively advocating for intolerance could negatively impact your career and, by proxy, your family.

Lack of LGBTQ+ education can also drive a wedge between you and your child, regardless of whether they are an LGBTQ+ individual themselves. Younger generations have shown a larger willingness to accept LGBTQ+ individuals, many of whom believe that intolerance has shown itself to be on the wrong side of history numerous times (which, to be fair, it has). You cannot shelter your children forever. And when your children discover your intolerance, it will be a sticking point.

Good luck. As time goes on, the above and more reasons will become more obvious. Enjoy being on the wrong side of history. If you don’t get out of the way, it will steamroll over you.