Talking to kids about sexuality

Honoring God as we educate kids about LGBTQ issues

Thaleia Sawatzky

Now more than ever, children need honest conversations about sexuality to be part of everyday family life. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer: It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” children will encounter an unfamiliar term or alternate perspective on sexuality. How can we as parents, mentors and church leaders talk about these issues with each other and with our children in ways that honor the God we love and serve?

1. Before starting the conversation, be informed about the issues.

Our culture’s values on gender, sex and marriage don’t line up with the way we understand the Bible—and that’s not likely to change.

We need to understand our culture and affirm God’s design. Understand and use the current terminology, read articles, watch the news, talk with your spouse and good friends in preparation for discussions with children.

2. Regularly affirm the truths we learn from the Bible:

• God’s Word is our authority for life (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
• Each person is created in God’s image, regardless of life choices or circumstances (Gen. 1:2.7; Ps 139:14).
• Each person is sinful (Rom. 3:23, 6:23).
• Jesus Christ is the solution to the problem of sin. We are called to confess our sins, repent and live in submission to God’s Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 10:9; 1 John 1:5–10).
• God’s design for sex is only between one man and one woman inside the covenant of marriage (Gen. 2:24). And even within marriage, we are to pursue holy sexuality (1 Peter 1:14–16).
• All sexual activity outside God’s design is sin. For example, adultery, living together before marriage, pornography, same-sex sexual behavior (Lev. 18–20; Rom. 1: 1; Cor. 6:12–20).

Nevertheless, we are not robots. Teach children that we can each choose to follow God’s design (obey God)—even when it is difficult—or we can choose not to follow God’s design (sin).

3. Read the Bible regularly with children.

The stories offer many opportunities to bring up challenging words and topics. As you read, ask, “Do you know what [this word/phrase] means?” (E.g., Abraham “knew” Sarah. Other words like harem, rape, prostitute, circumcision, etc., are pathways to conversations on difficult subjects around sexuality and gender.)

4. Teach children how to treat all people with respect and love.

It is not okay to reject, abandon or treat anyone with disgust. We are to be kind, polite and respectful even if we disagree with someone’s lifestyle and choices.

Find ways to build relationships with family members and friends whose views conflict with your own. Pray for them, send “Happy Birthday” texts or cards, deliver care packages, invite them to picnics, etc.

5. Find ways to expose children (gently) to these issues while they are in your care.

If you wait for children to ask questions, they may not ever speak up. Some ideas to help initiate conversations include getting involved with neighbors who are different from your family, reading articles out loud at home and talking about what you see on TV.

Have discussions with another trusted adult where children can “overhear” you.

If a child is exposed to perspectives on sexuality that are new to them, capitalize on the teaching opportunity.

Expect unexpected questions from children at unexpected times. You can respond with, “That’s a good question. Let me think about it, and we will talk later as we drive to soccer.”

Try not to discuss any difficult or emotional topics right before bed. Bedtime should be a peaceful time of day.

6. Regularly discuss the language and concepts of sexuality and gender using the appropriate level of detail for the child’s development.

Ask the child, “What are some words you are hearing (at school or baseball or…)?” Some children are more comfortable writing these words down rather than saying them out loud.

Explain swear words and your family rules around these words.

Explain all the different words for private body parts (both proper and crude words).

Explain the terminology behind LGBTQ:

• Lesbian = a woman who identifies as romantically or sexually attracted to another woman. It is not helpful to say “a woman who likes women.”
• Transgender = a person who believes that their mind does not match up with their physical anatomy. E.g., a person is biologically female, but in this person’s mind, they feel like a man. This person’s response may or may not involve surgery or hormone treatment.

Discuss how to disagree with behaviors, yet have compassion for people. Sexual identity often causes significant anxiety, distress, confusion, depression, despair and hatred of self. Talk about some examples in your own relationships.

7. What if a child/teenager experiences same-sex attraction? Or is confused about their gender?

Stay calm and reassure the child that you and God love them no matter what.

Seek help from a trusted Christian pastor, counselor, family member or friend, while protecting the child’s privacy.

Listen to the child and ask clarifying questions. Pray with them for God’s help in this struggle.

Teach the child that God created people to be male or female, but there is a vast spectrum of how “maleness” and “femaleness” can be lived out. Help children see beyond stereotypes. For example, boys can enjoy art and drama while girls can enjoy extreme sports.

Remind your children that how we feel does not determine our identity: God’s adoption of us as his children does. As Christians, we recognize that our feelings may change, but God’s Word endures forever.

Thaleia Sawatzky has a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Trinity Western University, Langley, B.C., and serves as pastor of care at Northview Community Church, a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Abbotsford, B.C. This article first appeared in the July/August issue of MB Herald, the publication of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.