Why Kids Need to Learn About Gender and Sexuality

Why Kids Need to Learn About Gender and Sexuality

TheTEDx talk, “Why Kids Need to Learn About Gender and Sexuality,” by Lindsay Amer, presents a compelling argument for the importance of educating children about gender and sexuality. She shares her experience as a queer content creator for children and highlights the importance of teaching children about diversity and inclusion from a young age. Amer discusses how societal norms around gender and sexuality can impact children’s development and self-esteem and emphasizes that providing children with education and resources around these topics can help them feel seen and valued. She also highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing bias and prejudice in children’s media and promoting positive representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. Amer shares practical tips and strategies for educators, parents, and caregivers to incorporate education around gender and sexuality into their interactions with children. She emphasizes the importance of providing children with accurate and age-appropriate information and creating a safe and supportive environment for them to ask questions and express themselves.  Overall, Amer argues that by teaching children about gender and sexuality, we can help create a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone and empower children to be their authentic selves.

Journal Prompts

• Reflecting on Lindsay Amer’s TEDx Talk, “Why Kids Need to Learn About Gender and Sexuality,” consider your personal experiences of learning about gender and sexuality during your youth. What challenges did you encounter, and how do you believe discussions surrounding these topics could have been enhanced and improved during your formative/most influential years of youth?   
• What are some potential challenges or obstacles that teachers may encounter when teaching children about gender and sexuality, as discussed in Amer’s TEDx Talk? How can your increased understanding in this area help you create a more inclusive classroom environment for the students you serve?