Love, Equality and Kids

So far in 2021, more than 250 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in states across the country. Parents are standing behind podiums, taking to Facebook, and leading conversations in open forums in the fight to make sure their LGBTQ kids receive the same treatment and opportunities as other children.

Many of these headlines are taking center stage in newsfeeds and primarily affecting kids, but if you’re in a state or area that is not impacted, or if your child is not a direct target of these discriminatory laws, it’s easy to overlook the legislation and the impact that it can have for generations.

During Pride Month, we want to bring this important topic to the forefront and share with you helpful information. At the least, you should be aware of important terms and issues that have driven so much of this action, possibly in your own community.

What does LGBTQ mean?

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. You may also see additional letters and symbols added - such as LGBTQIA+ -- to include more identities. If you are curious, it’s a chance to look up what each letter means and how people identify as LGBTQ+. 

Introduce this with your family and the importance of acceptance, so that they understand the meaning if they ever come across the term.

What does it mean to be transgender?

A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is a person's personal sense of being a boy or girl. For some, their gender identity does not fit perfectly into those two choices. For trans people, the sex they were assigned at birth and their own internal gender identity do not match.

What is the 1964 Civil Rights Act and The Equality Act?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of  race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Even more, provisions of this civil rights act forbade discrimination on the basis of sex and race in hiring, promoting, and firing.

Introduced earlier this year, the Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act to include gender identity and sexual orientation as protected classes. 

Meanwhile, select states have passed laws protecting trans people but it’s now becoming a threat across many states to specifically exclude trans people from basic programs and services, and employment.

Why are states introducing these laws?

States are introducing laws that will create systemic barriers to freedom and equality. These anti-transgender laws will prevent people from having access to the following:

• Health care, including access to reproductive services
• School sports and programs, many bills banning trans girls from competing in women's sports at public high schools and colleges
• Exposure to LGBTQ+ education 
• Public and private programs

Restricting these services to kids and their families has a tremendous impact on the protections of sexual identity, gender orientation, and gender expression. More importantly, these kids have a higher rate of depression and suicide.

Having a federal law will protect trans people from these harmful bills that create a patchwork of regulation that will be challenging for the LGBTQ+ community to navigate.

How do I talk to my kids about these issues?

Not understanding something can be scary and often people react out of fear. By having conversations with your kids about same sex couples, about kids that are different from them, about how people come in all shapes, colors, types -- you are teaching them how to love and accept.

Remind your kids that if someone is being bullied for their identity or the identity of their family and friends, to tell an adult. Kids should feel safe to question what they’re seeing if they don’t feel it’s right, and openly discuss their concerns with you.

Share some of these resources created for parents and kids:

• The CDC has an extensive list of helpful resources for the entire family to support kids of all ages.
• Learn more about the history of Pride Month, including a fun activity about the different Pride flag colors and a chance for kids to create their own flag.
• Lindsay Amer's "Queer Kid Stuff" web series talk about these issues for kids under the age of 10.
• Add LGBTQ+ stories to your kids' library. Here is a great list of books to continue open conversations.

How can I be an ally?

A person of privilege works in solidarity and partnership with a marginalized group of people to help take down the systems that challenge that group's basic rights, equal access, and ability to thrive in our society.

-- Rochester Racial Justice Toolkit

As a member of a non-marginalized group, you have the awesome power to advocate for a marginalized group. That makes you an ally. Education and understanding is a first step, and as an ally you can teach your kids and those around you.

You can also take action with the following:

• Visit the Human Rights Campaign and become a community co-sponsor, and call and email your members of Congress. 
• Advocate for programs and policies in your community that  restore and advance existing protections for trans people.
• Participate in discussions with your kids' school and care centers to advocate for an environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
• Learn about the activities in your community that invite families to learn and engage, especially during the month of June. 
• Your vote counts. Ask your public officials where they stand on trans rights and advocate for education.

At Love Bubby, we believe love is love and teaching acceptance and equality is the most important lesson we can pass on to our kids. This month also holds a special announcement - our collaboration with Maisonette on a design that supports our mission.

Jaime, Founder & Designer @ Love Bubby 

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