PCAVT can be a great resource as well as other organizations listed at the end of this article. Should questions come up during these conversations that you don’t know the answer to, it is always okay to say that you are unsure but will get back to them in the near future with some more information. Even if they are choosing not to share we are still showing them that we care and are always here to listen. We can create routines at an early age that carry through to adolescence such as asking questions about their day after school, at the dinner table or when tucking them in at night. If we can show that we are interested in hearing about their experiences and intentionally make time for conversations regularly, youth may be more likely to feel safe enough to share their true selves with us. We want to be adults that they can trust to provide accurate information around any topic, especially one so important.Īs youth explore their sexuality it can be incredibly important to know they have an adult that will truly listen to their thoughts and questions. As youth age this can look like being mindful that media consumed within the household is representative of people from all walks of life and having conversations about current events. For the youngest children this can look like offering toys and clothing of all types and colors, not based on traditional gender expectations. Some common practices here can be using your voice to support those who are marginalized, being open to new learning around experiences you may not have had, and supporting youth as they become aware of their sexuality. There are many other ways to model inclusion too, we can get creative!īeing an ally can look different for everyone.
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We can also choose to show our support by shopping with businesses who either are LGBTQIA+ owned or who donate to relevant causes. How cool would it be if you asked your children’s friends their pronouns when you meet them? That is something that could certainly leave a lasting impression of safety and inclusion. Some examples could be including your pronouns when introducing yourself to others, using the correct pronouns of others, and not assuming a gender when discussing what we’d look for in a healthy relationship with current or future partners. Being mindful of the language we use can be very important.
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This can be through attending large events where diversity is clearly celebrated, and also through much smaller every day interactions. Here are some tips on how we can do so:Īs an adult in the life of a child you are given an incredibly powerful opportunity to model what being inclusive means and looks like.
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Some common ways to celebrate can include attending a parade, doing a related art project, fly a pride flag, volunteer your time as a family to an LGBTQIA+ related cause, and any other way your family sees fit! While bringing more awareness during the month of June is important, we also want to be sure we are carrying this messaging through in our daily lives throughout the remainder of the year. Talking about Pride month as a family can make a big difference in how our children see the world. Why is Pride Month Important to Celebrate?ĭid you know that 1 in 6 Gen Z adults identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community? We celebrate Pride month to publicly include all members of our families and communities who in the past had to hide who they were.