How to Talk about LGBTQ Topics with Kids

Kids are curious and observant with lots of questions and comments. When these are about gender and sexual orientation, their own or other people’s, it can be difficult to know how to respond.

• Are you a boy or a girl?
• Nora has a crush on Maria.
• They made fun of me and said that boys don’t wear dresses.
• Why does Julie have two moms?
• What’s gay mean?
• She has a boy haircut!
• My teacher is Mx. Smith. Why?

Join us to learn how to address questions and curiosity around gender and sexual orientation with the children and youth in your life. This workshop’s introduction to current terminology, skill-building, and interactive practice will help you feel more comfortable and confident.

The skills taught will help you approach the conversation with compassion and curiosity, which works well for all ages. We will also discuss how to tailor your responses to be appropriate for different age groups, especially elementary school aged children. This workshop is appropriate for parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, and anyone interacting with children regularly.

This workshop will not focus on the theology around LGBTQ topics but will give you practical tools to address conversations with children and youth.

Tess Feiler (she/they)

Tess is a queer community educator. She graduated from Lancaster Bible College in 2018, where she found her passion for youth ministry, community advocacy, LGBTQIA+ and racial justice, and “good trouble”. They were, until recently, the Faith Communities Organizer & Youth Director at Grandview Church, and are employed at Arch Street UMC in Philadelphia.

They are currently studying at Widener University to earn a dual Masters of Social Work/Education in Human Sexualities. When they aren’t working or studying, they enjoy spending time in Downtown Lancaster with friends. Her inspirations include Ericka Hart, Alok Vaid-Menon, Rachel Held Evans, bell hooks, Sufjan Stevens, and every Queer ordained person ever.