How do you talk about gender?

If you catch your kid talking about gender, engage them in conversation. You may hear them making observations, like, “Only girls wear pink,” or telling you a preference like, “I don’t like playing with boys.” Ask them questions about why they think that.

How can I help gender identity?

Where to Begin?

1. Do Your Research. There is growing recognition that gender is not a simple binary (male and female), but rather a spectrum.
2. Show Respect. Be respectful of an individual’s affirmed gender identity, name, and pronouns.
3. Be an ally and advocate.
4. Get support if needed.

What age do you know your gender?

Most children typically develop the ability to recognize and label stereotypical gender groups, such as girl, woman and feminine, and boy, man and masculine, between ages 18 and 24 months. Most also categorize their own gender by age 3 years.

How can I help my child explore gender identity?

How can I support my child?

1. Love your child for who they are.
2. Talk with your child about gender identity.
3. Ask questions!
4. Read books with your child that talk about many different ways to be a boy, a girl, or having another gender identity.
5. Don’t pressure your child to change who they are.

Should I panic about my sexual feelings for others?

First, there is no need to panic. Part of being a mature adult is coming to the sad realization that we are not going to be able to have sexual relationships with everyone who floats our boat. Often these sexual feelings, when not acted upon, can actually fuel affection and intimacy.

How should LGBT adults respond to unwanted romantic and sexual invitations?

On the flip side, all adults—male, female, LGBT or otherwise—need to find polite but firm, unambiguous ways to respond to unwanted romantic and sexual invitations. The trick is not to fear these attractions, or feel ashamed of them, even if they are unrequited.

Why do we find some people intimidating?

We dissect others with the cold scalpel of raw intellect, feeling justified because we are right, or trying to help. People who are razor-sharp and calculating, surrounding others with apparent hyperawareness, can be intimidating without meaning to be, just as people who are very attractive can be.