Lesson Tag: LGBTQ+

We hope our children will make healthy choices, form lasting, meaningful connections, and develop a strong, positive sense of self. In other words, we want them to thrive! LGBTQ+ youth face more risks to their well-being than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Risks are even greater for people with low income and for people of color. The good news is that with the right information you can support your child through these obstacles.

If your child has started using terms like pansexual, transgender, or nonbinary, you might feel unsure about what they mean or how to respond. Understanding the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity can help you support your child with confidence and care. This class provides a clear breakdown of LGBTQ+ terminology and practical ways to communicate with your child in a way that fosters trust and understanding.

Does the idea of talking with your child about sexual orientation feel difficult or even a little scary?

Are you confused about the changing ways that many in our society see these issues?

Worried about knowing how to support your child?

The issues of sexual orientation can be daunting for both kids and parents. Your child will look to you for guidance about how to feel and act. This class will help you prepare for an open, ongoing dialogue with your child or teen that is candid, authentic and supportive. Participants in this class will be able to:

• Recognize key issues and biases related to sexual orientation for your child and for yourself
• Apply listening and talking strategies that help your child feel safe enough to express their true thoughts and feelings
• Apply approaches that will support your child’s positive thoughts and feelings about themself

Your child’s sexuality is part of their identity, and it’s important to talk about it. We know it can be uncomfortable to talk about sex and sexuality with your child, and we also know how important it is to support their confidence and positive and meaningful relationships. This course is designed to help you have these difficult and important conversations and help you and your child be sex positive - embracing that sexuality is a part of humanity. We will talk about:

• Stepping out of the comfort zone
• Supporting your child’s identity and relationships
• Consent
• Safety and Assault

• Not sure what the difference is between sexual orientation and gender identity?
• Confused by terms your child might be using, like pansexual, queer, transgender, or nonbinary?
• Feeling the need for some guidance about how to positively respond to your child?

There are many ways youth may be talking about their sexual orientation or gender identity that might be new or confusing for parents. Having a basic understanding of the words being used, along with some helpful ways to respond, can assist you in supporting your child.

• Does the idea of talking with your child about sexual orientation feel difficult or even a little scary?
• Are you confused about the changing ways that many in our society see these issues?
• Feeling the need for some guidance about how to support your child?