Teaching Kids About the LGBTQIA+ Community and Their Role in It

It can be tough to educate your children about what LGBTQIA+ stands for, especially when they haven't discovered their own sexuality yet. The best way to open your child's mind is to start with the basics and break down the acronym in a language they will understand.

For example, you can start by explaining that the "L" stands for "lesbian," which is when a girl likes another girl in a romantic way. Additionally, there is no way to tell someone is lesbian just by their appearance; they come in all shapes and sizes! Continue defining each letter and emphasize that it is completely normal to identify as any of these sexualities.

Later on, as they begin to understand more about sexuality, state the importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of their own sexual orientation. Unfortunately, we live in a world where just a few years ago same-sex marriage was illegal in our country. Some people just don't like the idea of straying from the "traditional couple" consisting of a man and woman. The best way to fight this is through celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and fighting for equal treatment.

Kids can even make a difference by ensuring everyone at school is respectful of other people's sexuality. Making sure none of their fellow classmates are getting bullied for their sexuality is a great way to start. As they grow, they can continue to learn about how gender and sexuality is a spectrum.

In the end, the most important lesson to give your child is that regardless of sexual orientation, everyone is deserving of love and respect. Being LGBTQIA+ doesn't make anyone less of a person. In fact, being a part of this community is something to be proud of!