How to raise a more tolerant 13yo boy towards LGBT?
I've recently noticed my 13yo to be uncomfortable around LGBT topics. Not that they are common in our daily life but it has made me want to show him the short animation "In a heartbeat". I then asked for his impressions but he refused to talk about the topic.
I wonder what is an adequate way to approach the topic with him?
(2)2 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
I’m a (mostly) gay man, and at 13 I would have been uncomfortable talking with a parent about gay couples in media or other queer topics. I don’t think I need to justify though that I’m not intolerant towards LGBT people, and it’s not because my father made an effort to raise me as tolerant. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
I’ve noticed in general a push to raise children who are welcoming of LGBT specifically, and I don’t think it’s hugely critical. We’re no different from anyone else. Just raise your child to be loving and compassionate to everyone, no matter the person’s condition, and I’m sure he’ll turn out fine.
This post does not really answer the question, but it prepare the road to find an answer :
Being tolerant and being comfortable are two very different things.
It might just be that for different reasons your son is uncomfortable
around sexual / gender questions.
It might be personal issues.
It might be that his ideas are far enough from yours that he is not
confident in your reaction to him voicing those ideas.
It might be that he is getting this kind of talk often at school (or on the
Internet) and that he doesn't want a repeat with his family.
So, before branding him intolerant, just ask him and yourself "why is he uncomfortable ?" and "why can't he speak about it as freely as I do ?"
Not speaking freely about a topic is not a sign of intolerance in itself. Don't try to fix something before knowing if it is broken.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.