Appreciating Differences

Sending Positive Messages to Children about Sexual Orientation

“Why doesn’t Jason have a daddy?”

“Why are those boys holding hands?”

“What does faggot mean?”

This workshop will model effective strategies to help parents become more comfortable and confident talking about sexual orientation and the diversity that surrounds us, in a healthy, positive and affirming way. Clips from three award winning videos will be viewed to stimulate discussion about how to meet the needs of elementary and middle school-age children around diversity issues.

Videos:

• Both of My Moms’ Names Are Judy – presents a diverse group of children (ages 7-11) who have lesbian and gay parents. They talk about their family members, how it feels to be teased about their parents, how classroom silence about homosexuality affects them, and what they would like to see change.
• That’s a Family! – helps elementary school-age children see and understand the many different shapes of today’s families.
• It’s Elementary – Talking About Gay Issues in School – This inspiring film explores how teachers can include discussions about gay people with elementary and middle school students. Part of the Respect for All, project.

Our goals are to help parents and guardians

• explore personal attitudes and values about sexual orientation
• consider the impact that being gay, lesbian or bisexual has on the lives of people growing up in this society
• learn age-appropriate techniques for discussing diversity and answering their children’s questions

Average length of program: 90 minutes

Recommended number of participants: 20-100