AMERICAN PARENTING NIGHTMARE!

[captain_slinky]

While watching Modern Family tonight, Molly asked us the question that popular right-wing media has taught me that all good parents dread; she asked "What does GAY mean?"

To paraphrase talking points recycled from the past twenty-some years of everything from Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell to Prop 8, what am I supposed to say when my child asks me that question? What am I supposed to say???

I told her "Gay mans when a boy loves a boy or a girl loves a girl".

"Oh, okay." And back she went to watching the show.

OMG THEY WERE ALL SO VERY RIGHT ABOUT THIS NIGHTMARE!!! WHEN DOES IT ALL END???

Comments

[lynna12000.livejournal.com]

I think you handled it brilliantly. A simple answer to a simple question

[aurora77]

And she's not suddenly wearing purple and rainbows and trying to kiss the girls? But, but that's what they say will happen!

I've known someone to explain cross-dressing very straightforward and simply to a kid, ("some men like to wear dresses and feel pretty, just like some women like to wear dresses and feel pretty") and they basically responded the same. If you don't treat it like a big deal, kids don't usually either. They don't pick up on the greater ramifications of the simple answer for a long time. And when they do, they'll start to ask those questions, which means they're ready for the next level of answer.

My first exposure was in San Francisco when my family and I were trying to drive through and encountered a Pride parade. My mom covered my eyes and my dad was grossed out. I don't remember what they said, but I remember how strongly they reacted. I grew up thinking it was wrong and perverted, and eventually figured out for myself that everyone's just human and some boys love boys and some girls love girls and why the hell should I have a problem with it? I just wish I'd never been taught to react so strongly at such a young age.

Good job, sir.

[dagna76.livejournal.com]

Haha! Our experience was about the same.