(https://photos.moderncities.com/Cities/Jacksonville/Storybook-Pride-Prom/i-xrxjcX5/0/793daf8e/L/Storybook%20Pride%20Prom-L.jpg)
Quote
Willowbranch Library's Storybook Pride Prom faced online attacks from anti-LGBTQ activists. Now, amid concerns about protests and counterprotests, the library has cancelled the event.
Read more: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/jacksonville-library-cancels-storybook-pride-prom/
A pretty sad reminder that despite all the progress that has been made, this is still The South, and we still live in a place where people can't stand the idea of two consenting people in love.
The events leading to the cancellation of this event are truly sad and maddening but using the "This is the South" argument to explain this level of ignorance an hatred is a lazy one. Here up north we've had our share of protests and angry calls and e-mails objecting to numerous library LGBTQ-friendly story hours, and the fact that you had a library come up and host an event like this plus having a community willing to defend it from objections partially stirred up from people who are NOT Jacksonville Public Library taxpayers says a lot about LGBTQ progress in your so-called "Southern" town.
And God Bless the church and the people behind this event stepping up determined to give these kids a welcoming, creative, and joyous night to remember.
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on June 25, 2019, 12:42:07 AM
The events leading to the cancellation of this event are truly sad and maddening but using the "This is the South" argument to explain this level of ignorance an hatred is a lazy one. Here up north we've had our share of protests and angry calls and e-mails objecting to numerous library LGBTQ-friendly story hours, and the fact that you had a library come up and host an event like this plus having a community willing to defend it from objections partially stirred up from people who are NOT Jacksonville Public Library taxpayers says a lot about LGBTQ progress in your so-called "Southern" town.
And God Bless the church and the people behind this event stepping up determined to give these kids a welcoming, creative, and joyous night to remember.
Don't get me wrong, like I said, there's been progress. But between stuff like this, all the issues in North Carolina, and what we're seeing in places like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, I don't see it as unfair to characterize these actions as somewhat typical of our region. It's better than it was before, but there's still more progress to be made.
Agreed on the church, that's a bold move and it deserves praise.
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 06:41:19 AM
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
BeBe Deluxe was only going to be there to judge a costume contest (attendees were invited to dress as book characters) and running an info booth in case students had any questions for her. Unfortunately she became a symbol the homophobes to used to attack the event. As for trans sexuality and body dysmorphia, I don't know that that was going to be specifically addressed - this was just a dance. However, lots of kids 14-18 experience that. No sense in keeping them in the dark about others having the same experience.
Quote from: Tacachale on June 25, 2019, 07:22:21 AM
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 06:41:19 AM
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
BeBe Deluxe was only going to be there to judge a costume contest (attendees were invited to dress as book characters) and running an info booth in case students had any questions for her. Unfortunately she became a symbol the homophobes to used to attack the event. As for trans sexuality and body dysmorphia, I don't know that that was going to be specifically addressed - this was just a dance. However, lots of kids 14-18 experience that. No sense in keeping them in the dark about others having the same experience.
Questioning whether something should be a Library event is quite different than suggesting kids struggling with trans-sexuality concerns stay in the dark...activist mommy is a homophobe...finding drag queens distasteful at a celebration of romantic and sexual freedom isn't necessarily homophobic.
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 07:53:00 AM
Quote from: Tacachale on June 25, 2019, 07:22:21 AM
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 06:41:19 AM
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
BeBe Deluxe was only going to be there to judge a costume contest (attendees were invited to dress as book characters) and running an info booth in case students had any questions for her. Unfortunately she became a symbol the homophobes to used to attack the event. As for trans sexuality and body dysmorphia, I don't know that that was going to be specifically addressed - this was just a dance. However, lots of kids 14-18 experience that. No sense in keeping them in the dark about others having the same experience.
Questioning whether something should be a Library event is quite different than suggesting kids struggling with trans-sexuality concerns stay in the dark...activist mommy is a homophobe...finding drag queens distasteful at a celebration of romantic and sexual freedom isn't necessarily homophobic.
Sorry if it wasn't clear, but "Activist Mommy" and her followers used the presence of BeBe Deluxe to claim she was a bigger part of the event than she was, imply she'd be performing a drag show, etc. I'll update the wording in the article.
Quote from: marcuscnelson on June 25, 2019, 01:01:43 AM
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on June 25, 2019, 12:42:07 AM
The events leading to the cancellation of this event are truly sad and maddening but using the "This is the South" argument to explain this level of ignorance an hatred is a lazy one. Here up north we've had our share of protests and angry calls and e-mails objecting to numerous library LGBTQ-friendly story hours, and the fact that you had a library come up and host an event like this plus having a community willing to defend it from objections partially stirred up from people who are NOT Jacksonville Public Library taxpayers says a lot about LGBTQ progress in your so-called "Southern" town.
And God Bless the church and the people behind this event stepping up determined to give these kids a welcoming, creative, and joyous night to remember.
Don't get me wrong, like I said, there's been progress. But between stuff like this, all the issues in North Carolina, and what we're seeing in places like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, I don't see it as unfair to characterize these actions as somewhat typical of our region. It's better than it was before, but there's still more progress to be made.
I looked at the Facebook comments for the library's cancellation post expecting the worst, but you know what, they literally appear to be 10-1 against the library's decision.
Emojis - the ultimate barometer of statistical validity - are also about 9-1 (800 sad/angry to 67 thumbs ups).
https://www.facebook.com/JaxLibrary/posts/10157203173044654
Maybe Jacksonville is making some progress.
Can't say I frequent the Activist Mommy blog, but she seems like a terrible human being.
Sucks that the event was canceled, but hopefully it proves a blessing in disguises and further galvanizes the community against hate in any form.
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 06:41:19 AM
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
Given the social media outrage culture we are currently in, I first want to say that you bring up a FAIR question that should be discussed and debated and it saddens me how many who have similar concerns are quickly labeled as secret homophobes or ignorant.
That being said...
The hullabaloo over a known drag queen judging a costume party at a dance is beyond me but there have been concerns raised about them reading stories to children. To get children engaged it is not unheard of for men and women, regardless of their sexual orientation, presenting these stories to act out scenes dressed in costume. If you happen to be an LGBQT presenter, it would be naturally to spread messages on your presentation that are important specifically to you and your life like acceptance and inclusion, but it would be safe to say that same person would have no problem spreading more universally encouraged lessons for children like knowledge, adventure, empowerment, teamwork, kindness, and hopefully reading more damn books?
I personally feel a lot of these negative reactions are not so much an issue of outright prejudice than it is of short-sightednes, that there has to be an "agenda" to having someone not straight trying to entertain their kids. It's also why I give pushback when labeling any form of ignorance a "Southern thing" not just because I lived in the South most of my life and there are countless of examples I experienced that buck these stereotypes, but because labels like these regardless of how much truth there is to them have a tendency to squash further discourse on truly important matters.
The skinny from sources I believe is that Tim Rogers of the Library system was looking for an excuse and he found it. (Not anyone at WillowBranch) To act like JSO couldn't secure this event is preposterous. The event will now be held at a Church same time and date other details will become public closer to the event.
^^^^ would not be totally surprised the director was looking for an excuse to cancel this. The key word he used were the fact that there were going to be counterprotesters coming to the library in support of this event. Also saw on Facebook posts about this (not sure of the veracity of these accusation) that apparently he shut down other LGBTQ events and activities scheduled in the library.
Yes he shut down other city wide events and agreed to let individual branches have their own events. However it looks like he is not living up to the agreement,(at least from the outside.).
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on June 25, 2019, 12:58:49 PM
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 06:41:19 AM
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
Given the social media outrage culture we are currently in, I first want to say that you bring up a FAIR question that should be discussed and debated and it saddens me how many who have similar concerns are quickly labeled as secret homophobes or ignorant.
I personally couldn't care less if a drag queen reads stories to a bunch of gay kids. But that said, I cannot stand drag and drag queens. I appreciate that it is supposedly part of "gay culture" or whatever, but not liking drag doesn't make you a homophone any more than hating Morris dancing makes you an Anglophobe.
On a side note, is this the first post-Dare drag queen story? (I realise there's more to this story than just drag queens, but the amount of drag queen-related content has taken a dive since Stephen left MJ).
Quote from: Adam White on June 25, 2019, 02:59:09 PM
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on June 25, 2019, 12:58:49 PM
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 06:41:19 AM
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
Given the social media outrage culture we are currently in, I first want to say that you bring up a FAIR question that should be discussed and debated and it saddens me how many who have similar concerns are quickly labeled as secret homophobes or ignorant.
I personally couldn't care less if a drag queen reads stories to a bunch of gay kids. But that said, I cannot stand drag and drag queens. I appreciate that it is supposedly part of "gay culture" or whatever, but not liking drag doesn't make you a homophone any more than hating Morris dancing makes you an Anglophobe.
On a side note, is this the first post-Dare drag queen story? (I realise there's more to this story than just drag queens, but the amount of drag queen-related content has taken a dive since Stephen left MJ).
Lol, quite probably. And I haven't seen a single shirtless Tebow.
Quote from: Tacachale on June 25, 2019, 03:06:34 PM
Quote from: Adam White on June 25, 2019, 02:59:09 PM
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on June 25, 2019, 12:58:49 PM
Quote from: jaxnyc79 on June 25, 2019, 06:41:19 AM
I support gay rights, and I support government recognition of those rights and unions. As someone who lived in New York City for 14 years, including 8 of those years in Chelsea, I was around gay culture quite a bit. I never quite understood why drag queens and transgendered persons became such prominent symbols of gay rights and culture. Having said that, I've been to a couple drag shows (was never a huge fan), and did see the artistry in them, but the shows I saw I always considered to be adult-themed. I don't like the idea of buckling to this "activist mommy" character, because I think her agenda is more nefarious than just creating a more child-appropriate pride event, but I also don't understand why the Library had to include the drag queen in their plans. Being gay, and the implied dysmorphia of the drag queen and transgendered agenda are two very different things. Transsexuality and dysmorphia are fairly heavy topics for children...not sure if this is the right forum. I really don't have answers on this, just questioning...
Given the social media outrage culture we are currently in, I first want to say that you bring up a FAIR question that should be discussed and debated and it saddens me how many who have similar concerns are quickly labeled as secret homophobes or ignorant.
I personally couldn't care less if a drag queen reads stories to a bunch of gay kids. But that said, I cannot stand drag and drag queens. I appreciate that it is supposedly part of "gay culture" or whatever, but not liking drag doesn't make you a homophone any more than hating Morris dancing makes you an Anglophobe.
On a side note, is this the first post-Dare drag queen story? (I realise there's more to this story than just drag queens, but the amount of drag queen-related content has taken a dive since Stephen left MJ).
Lol, quite probably. And I haven't seen a single shirtless Tebow.
:D
Regarding the drag-queen story hour, and other CHILD-friendly gay events...my whole thing is why are CHILDREN being exposed to these very ADULT matters when they should only be concerned with enjoying their childhood - why are they being forced to think about sex at all at their tender age? No one in my generation got the 'talk' until puberty hit. I don't think it's ok to rob children of their innocent, carefree existence. Yes, there are many things, some evil things (child porn) that rob children of their childhood, but please don't add to those things. Wait until 'the talk' and to make things even easier for them, let them bring up the subject. Don't put it out there and give them the impression they have to make a choice. If things happen, they should happen naturally, not because they felt encouraged one way or another. But please - just LET THEM HAVE THEIR CHILDHOOD. They'll never get it back. Thanks for listening, hope I made sense.
Quote from: sandyshoes on June 26, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
Regarding the drag-queen story hour, and other CHILD-friendly gay events...my whole thing is why are CHILDREN being exposed to these very ADULT matters when they should only be concerned with enjoying their childhood - why are they being forced to think about sex at all at their tender age? No one in my generation got the 'talk' until puberty hit. I don't think it's ok to rob children of their innocent, carefree existence. Yes, there are many things, some evil things (child porn) that rob children of their childhood, but please don't add to those things. Wait until 'the talk' and to make things even easier for them, let them bring up the subject. Don't put it out there and give them the impression they have to make a choice. If things happen, they should happen naturally, not because they felt encouraged one way or another. But please - just LET THEM HAVE THEIR CHILDHOOD. They'll never get it back. Thanks for listening, hope I made sense.
To reiterate, this event was not a drag queen story hour, nor was it for young children. Attendees were age 14-18.
I did attend a drag queen story hour at the UNF library, featuring BeBe Deluxe. It was geared for college students but a number of attendees did bring small children. It talked about trans and non-binary folks but nothing that I saw was sexual or otherwise inappropriate for kids, from BeBe's costume to the language used. It was mostly little vignettes about being respectful to everyone, not asking invasive questions and being yourself.
Tim Rogers now says he didn't have all the information and wishes he hadn't canceled. However he is going with what's done is done, que sera sera.
He was asked several times today why he didn't contact JSO if he had security concerns.
Quote from: sandyshoes on June 26, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
Regarding the drag-queen story hour, and other CHILD-friendly gay events...my whole thing is why are CHILDREN being exposed to these very ADULT matters when they should only be concerned with enjoying their childhood - why are they being forced to think about sex at all at their tender age? No one in my generation got the 'talk' until puberty hit. I don't think it's ok to rob children of their innocent, carefree existence. Yes, there are many things, some evil things (child porn) that rob children of their childhood, but please don't add to those things. Wait until 'the talk' and to make things even easier for them, let them bring up the subject. Don't put it out there and give them the impression they have to make a choice. If things happen, they should happen naturally, not because they felt encouraged one way or another. But please - just LET THEM HAVE THEIR CHILDHOOD. They'll never get it back. Thanks for listening, hope I made sense.
So based on your comments, Children aren't gay until they are exposed to a Drag Queen Story Hour or Child friendly gay events? Let me see.. my oldest daughter is gay and understood she was from a pretty early age.
I am loathe personally attack here but will say your comment is pretty ignorant.
Quote from: Snufflee on June 27, 2019, 07:39:50 AM
Quote from: sandyshoes on June 26, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
Regarding the drag-queen story hour, and other CHILD-friendly gay events...my whole thing is why are CHILDREN being exposed to these very ADULT matters when they should only be concerned with enjoying their childhood - why are they being forced to think about sex at all at their tender age? No one in my generation got the 'talk' until puberty hit. I don't think it's ok to rob children of their innocent, carefree existence. Yes, there are many things, some evil things (child porn) that rob children of their childhood, but please don't add to those things. Wait until 'the talk' and to make things even easier for them, let them bring up the subject. Don't put it out there and give them the impression they have to make a choice. If things happen, they should happen naturally, not because they felt encouraged one way or another. But please - just LET THEM HAVE THEIR CHILDHOOD. They'll never get it back. Thanks for listening, hope I made sense.
So based on your comments, Children aren't gay until they are exposed to a Drag Queen Story Hour or Child friendly gay events? Let me see.. my oldest daughter is gay and understood she was from a pretty early age.
I am loathe personally attack here but will say your comment is pretty ignorant.
No, he's saying that kids shouldn't have to care about whether they're LGBT, if they're gay they should figure it out themselves as they grow older and that's not something that should be on their mind right now. Children are impressionable and he's trying to make the point that the atmosphere at some of these events is that you need to make a choice now whether you're gay or not, like how child witnesses in court can be led to an answer whether it's true or not.
For the record, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with what he said, but I think he's being attacked a little bit unfairly.
Quote from: sandyshoes on June 26, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
Regarding the drag-queen story hour, and other CHILD-friendly gay events...my whole thing is why are CHILDREN being exposed to these very ADULT matters when they should only be concerned with enjoying their childhood - why are they being forced to think about sex at all at their tender age? No one in my generation got the 'talk' until puberty hit. I don't think it's ok to rob children of their innocent, carefree existence. Yes, there are many things, some evil things (child porn) that rob children of their childhood, but please don't add to those things. Wait until 'the talk' and to make things even easier for them, let them bring up the subject. Don't put it out there and give them the impression they have to make a choice. If things happen, they should happen naturally, not because they felt encouraged one way or another. But please - just LET THEM HAVE THEIR CHILDHOOD. They'll never get it back. Thanks for listening, hope I made sense.
But we read stories to kids all the time where there are Princes and Princesses who live happily ever after, etc. I hate to invoke the word "privilege" but I think you've got a bit of a blind spot there. If you're going to take offence with 'gay' story time, you better take offence with 'straight' story time as well.
Quote from: Des on June 27, 2019, 08:01:38 AM
Quote from: Snufflee on June 27, 2019, 07:39:50 AM
Quote from: sandyshoes on June 26, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
Regarding the drag-queen story hour, and other CHILD-friendly gay events...my whole thing is why are CHILDREN being exposed to these very ADULT matters when they should only be concerned with enjoying their childhood - why are they being forced to think about sex at all at their tender age? No one in my generation got the 'talk' until puberty hit. I don't think it's ok to rob children of their innocent, carefree existence. Yes, there are many things, some evil things (child porn) that rob children of their childhood, but please don't add to those things. Wait until 'the talk' and to make things even easier for them, let them bring up the subject. Don't put it out there and give them the impression they have to make a choice. If things happen, they should happen naturally, not because they felt encouraged one way or another. But please - just LET THEM HAVE THEIR CHILDHOOD. They'll never get it back. Thanks for listening, hope I made sense.
So based on your comments, Children aren't gay until they are exposed to a Drag Queen Story Hour or Child friendly gay events? Let me see.. my oldest daughter is gay and understood she was from a pretty early age.
I am loathe personally attack here but will say your comment is pretty ignorant.
No, he's saying that kids shouldn't have to care about whether they're LGBT, if they're gay they should figure it out themselves as they grow older and that's not something that should be on their mind right now. Children are impressionable and he's trying to make the point that the atmosphere at some of these events is that you need to make a choice now whether you're gay or not, like how child witnesses in court can be led to an answer whether it's true or not.
For the record, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with what he said, but I think he's being attacked a little bit unfairly.
The point is though from 14 - 18 which is the age group this was targeted too, children are acutely aware of their sexuality. I have never been to an LGBT Q event that asks for you to "make a choice" either directly or implied. It was meant to be a safe place for teenagers to gather and be themselves without having to hide.
Quote from: Snufflee on June 27, 2019, 09:43:31 AM
Quote from: Des on June 27, 2019, 08:01:38 AM
Quote from: Snufflee on June 27, 2019, 07:39:50 AM
Quote from: sandyshoes on June 26, 2019, 04:04:23 PM
Regarding the drag-queen story hour, and other CHILD-friendly gay events...my whole thing is why are CHILDREN being exposed to these very ADULT matters when they should only be concerned with enjoying their childhood - why are they being forced to think about sex at all at their tender age? No one in my generation got the 'talk' until puberty hit. I don't think it's ok to rob children of their innocent, carefree existence. Yes, there are many things, some evil things (child porn) that rob children of their childhood, but please don't add to those things. Wait until 'the talk' and to make things even easier for them, let them bring up the subject. Don't put it out there and give them the impression they have to make a choice. If things happen, they should happen naturally, not because they felt encouraged one way or another. But please - just LET THEM HAVE THEIR CHILDHOOD. They'll never get it back. Thanks for listening, hope I made sense.
So based on your comments, Children aren't gay until they are exposed to a Drag Queen Story Hour or Child friendly gay events? Let me see.. my oldest daughter is gay and understood she was from a pretty early age.
I am loathe personally attack here but will say your comment is pretty ignorant.
No, he's saying that kids shouldn't have to care about whether they're LGBT, if they're gay they should figure it out themselves as they grow older and that's not something that should be on their mind right now. Children are impressionable and he's trying to make the point that the atmosphere at some of these events is that you need to make a choice now whether you're gay or not, like how child witnesses in court can be led to an answer whether it's true or not.
For the record, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with what he said, but I think he's being attacked a little bit unfairly.
The point is though from 14 - 18 which is the age group this was targeted too, children are acutely aware of their sexuality. I have never been to an LGBT Q event that asks for you to "make a choice" either directly or implied. It was meant to be a safe place for teenagers to gather and be themselves without having to hide.
I believe Sandyshoes is not a he. I do think Des is summarizing their comment fairly accurately. They're still inaccurate, both in terms of what the Pride Prom event was, and in terms of what messages we give kids. To repeat, Pride Prom wasn't for young children. And I've never seen
any LGBTQ event that implies a person, let alone a kid, should have all their preferences and identities in order. In fact, they're usually the exact opposite of that.
As Adam says, we have no qualm about presenting relationships and romance to young kids. It's only when it's LGBTQ relationships and romance that some see them as inappropriate. As if Heather Has Two Mommies could possibly give kids a worse message about relationships than Beauty and the Beast.
Here are some interesting statistics the UNF LGBT Resource Center gave me. A 2017 survey found that 20% of people age 18-34 identified as LGBTQ, the highest for any generation. Additionally, another survey found that 35% of Millennials and 52% of Generation Z identify as something "other than exclusively heterosexual".
Police investigating a suspicious package there now. Park street closed.