Letters | How to have positive discussions about LGBTQ Pride with children

Understandably, such topics may seem new to traditional, heteronormative Chinese societies, but they are ultimately lessons about social inclusion. Preschool age children start identifying differences in others, while being socialised to assign negative meanings to those differences. These experiences can have a lifelong influence, as children internalise messages around them with little filter.

But research has found that social skills which enhance inclusivity, such as empathy and judgment of unfairness, start developing in children as young as four years old. This is why early education about diversity through daily interactions is crucial. For example, when teaching children about colours, parents could use LGBTQ-themed flashcards. The topic of sexuality becomes normalised, and children become more open and accepting as they grow up. They learn that people with differences should not be treated as “other”, and violence and discrimination should never be tolerated. These teachings can also help them embrace differences in race, ability, cultural background, and so on.

Topics of gender and sexuality are also relevant to families outside the LGBTQ community. Gender stereotypes, such as how boys should not wear pink and girls should not like cars, affect children’s confidence in their identity. Educating them about inclusivity teaches them to be confident in who they are and to express themselves freely regardless of social norms.