Innoculate your Child against the harms of gender identity
How can I prepare my children?
- Explain gender identity to your children. Explain that it is a belief that some people have but clearly explain your beliefs.
- Teach your children methods of showing respect for others while maintaining their own personal boundaries. For example, girls do not need to accept boys in their bathrooms to be ‘respectful’.
- Instruct your children to tell you when teachers discuss issues you are concerned about, for example, role plays “to explore gender identity” (see the Victorian Respectful Relationships materials for additional examples.
- Discuss the transgender flag when you see it displayed. Explain what it means. Discuss with your child how you can show compassion without celebrating another person’s deep bodily distress.
- Distinguish between “sex” and “gender” when you speak with your children. Teach them that they are not just synonyms and discuss the important differences. Encourage them to ask their teachers for clarity when discussing these topics.