@lgbtq_plus Straight people will say that LGBT education isn’t age appropriate but will ask toddlers if they have a girlfriend.
#lgtq+ #hetero #straights #homophobia
It’s not that I’m actively educating my daughters about LGBTQ+ yet but they are at the age of learning about relationships and any time we or they talk about “when I’ll have a boyfriend…” we will comment “…or girlfriend whatever you’ll like…” I mean I at least try to keep them open minded while not forcing it, at least if and when the time comes they’ll feel comfortable to tell us.
I understand your intent, but I reckon kids know really early on. My daughter has been boy crazy since 5, so I never bothered with “or a girlfriend” type comments. But we do instill in her regularly that love is love and partners come in all types.
As a late 20s asexual gay person, I was in complete denial until my early 20s about my asexuality and until my mid 20s about being gay. Not because my parents weren’t accepting, but because society is heteronormative. Always good to reinforce an open, positive attitude!
Perhaps applying a blanket statement to straight people isn’t a great idea either? I’m straight but think it makes complete sense for young people to learn about relationships of all kinds at what ever age they start learning about relationships. My personal approach is to stick with gender-neutral pronouns by default and to treat any relationship between consenting adults the same as any other. I’m lucky enough to live in a place where this is mostly normal and only the crazies have an issue with it. I also don’t ask toddlers about romantic partners.
As a side note: it’s not uncommon for seniors in Korea to ask to see, and then comment on, the genitalia of young children (not necessarily sexually). A practice which is dying off but still exists. Point being that I acknowledge there are still all sorts of different social norms out there in different places.
My grandmother did this and honestly I hated it. I’m cis and still felt so uncomfortable that I asked not to see her. Preschool and up every time she pinched my cheeks and asked if I had girlfriend and it went on and on, do you want to call her, what is she like, I bet you’re so cute.
I did not, in fact, have a girlfriend.
I still remember that grandma. I’m in my 30s and I remember hating that.
It’s because they only associate queer stuff with sex, not with love
As an adult I’ve caught a ton of subtly raunchy humor in kids shows and movies. But straight parents don’t bat an eye because it’s good, clean, straight sex jokes in children’s media. This is not to say I’m against that, just that there would be torches and pitchforks if the jokes were not about straight couples.
There are only two sexualities. Straight and political.