Finally a positive mainstream media article!

Its a nice article, but a bit stereotypical. Also, I really don't think parents need to get all caught up on whether or not their 8 year old is gay... There is no way to know about an 8 year old. Only the individual in question is qualified to discuss their own sexuality, and no 8 year old, gay or straight, is going to have it figured out.

I know I fit absolutely none of those stereotypes. I didn't play with dolls or avoid violent games. I didn't dress up like a girl or anything like that. I was the captain of my hs football team. However, I assure you I am gay... I was a gay kid, but there was no way to know before I hit about 13 and started really figuring out that I was different (and even then, i don't think i could have spelled it out).

I believe this kind of overbearing parenting is harmful. Even in this modern world where moms and dads aren't supposed to make homophobic comments and cheer when little Billy wants to play with Barbie Dolls, there are some things kids just need to work out on their own... their sexual orientation is one of these.

I am not saying all of the points are incorrect, but there has got to be some middle ground between my dad making "faggot" jokes and telling me that gay people are terrible shameful individuals and sitting down with your pubescent son and explaining that you think he's gay (or even hinting at it).

 

2-4% ?! Bullfucking shit. xD I seriously wonder where people get these numbers from. It's way way way higher.

 

I agree SurferDude... Holy. If 10-15% of the population is LGBT, you'd think it's more like 5-8 or more % of that. Otherwise it seems like it was a "choice" for some people. Which... it may be, but it sure isn't hell a choice for me and most of the LGBT people I've talked to.

...but at least the site is "trying" I guess.. and the ending did wrap it up nicely with positive ways to show that being gay is ok.

 

Yeah guys, the reason it's being stereotypical is because many parents who have no experience in this will assume with stereotypes. As for their stats, I think the statistic really was about 4-8% rather than 2 or 10%. Of course, this isn't accounting for closetcases or those who are questioning. It's hard to put a definite number on the gay population.

 

My only point was that I think it is a mistake for overbearing mothers (the type who read parenting magazines) to start assuming that their 8 year old is straight because he plays war and likes his GI Joes or that he's gay because he plays dress up with his sister. Huge amounts of gay kids don't fit that stereotype.

On top of that, I think it is wrong for parents to make their kids (especially young teens) start dealing with their sexuality too early. Yes, make it clear that you have a open mind and an open heart for people of all types, but jeez... leave the kid alone and let him or her figure out what they like.

 

Pretty stereotypical article. I played many computer games, enough for people to know that I'm über-straight. I played many toys too, but girls' ones - just for a few times.

Yet, I'm still gay. I have no problems with myself.

 

4% is the percentage that exit polls typically show; agree the actual number is higher.

 

Re: We should turn this into a thread...

A supportive article threat(ala supportive videos). I know I always like going over there when I'm down. It might be nice to have a positive thread to counter all the negativity in the world.

 

More or less OK, but... A few comments on rather sterotypical/slightly offencive comments.

""We don't have a lot of data on what kids do and don't do sexually," says Pluhar. "
Well no shit Sherlock...

"The official psychological term for these types of behaviors is "gender nonconformity.""
Er.. And this is bad?

"Girls who seem to prefer "boy" things, however, are not as likely to turn out to be gay."
*facepalm* because girls are allowed to be stronger, thanks to womens rights movement.
young boys are still beaten down by their parents if they show any signs of feminimity.

"She's only 11 or 12, and that's too young for her to be dating anyone, male or female. There's no doubt you're with the vast majority of parents there. But if she's thinking about girls, and you're having issues with that, it's a good idea to reach out to others who can help you connect with her."
No, if you have issues with that you need to get the fuck over yourself.

"Leave age-appropriate books on gender or sexuality where your child can find them if you suspect he wants or could benefit from information."
Er... The 'youngest' age-appropriate lgb books are intended 12+, they can go to the library for that

" If she wants to cut her hair short and pass as a boy, fine, but be aware that next week she might change her mind."
WTF does hair have to do with anything, and "pass" isn't talking about sexuality, dimwit. Not in that context anyway...


Tell him or her outright, "I'll love you every bit as much no matter what you are,"
This statement comes with a * on it for most parents...


Anywhoooooo... it's nice to see a less "OMG YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO HELL" article.