Gender Identity Lesson for Kindergarteners?

[@Nenaaap]

What does feeling like a "girl" or "boy" even mean? When I was a kid I just felt happy playing with all my friends!

[@briannab4770]

Woah woah woah, listen, I am transgender and I think this is fundamentally WRONG. A child fluctuating in their gender identity is very normal in the process of development and figuring themselves out, however, inserting the transgender issue in a class of extremely young minds is nothing more than confusing and unnecessary. It's not important to confuse the minds of children in an ATTEMPT to help them understand about what, 0.3%, of the population? Let kids express themselves. If the little boy wishes to play with dolls or the small girl opts to play with trucks, there's nothing wrong with that, but to saturate young minds with all this genderbending is unnecessary. I fear that if we do this, the amount of "transgender" kids will increase because some more radical parents will start labelling natural fluctuations of a child's identity with the actual disorder of gender dysphoria and pushing children to "transition" from a place of confusion. As far as I'm concerned, children can learn about being attracted to people of the same gender. This falls within the realm of normal, common human behavior and comprises a higher percentage of the population, and a fluctuation in sexuality is much more likely to be expected. To take it further than this in the education of young children is absurd.

[@nicolefoysten9094]

Brianna Bayon thank you.

[@americannotamericant1773]

Brianna Bayon my sister is Transexual and I am a hardline Conservative, he is planning on becoming a teacher at the elementary level. He has said that he isn’t going to disclose any of his history on the issue or wrongfully influence such young minds when it’s not his place, the schools place, or the states place to teach kids at such a young age about gender fluency. I would also like to mention the comment at the top, that our children can’t pray to god no matter what god that may be but the school can take it upon itself to brainwash and wrongfully influence children, this is why the millennial generation is so fucked up and I’m a Millennial.

[@weepingwillow2444]

Brianna Bayon hey my son's 5 and we have had that talk with him and all of us including him support lgtbq And I have been teach him aznd will continue to tech him to love everyone and to stand up for the pleople in this word that needs it if someone is getting bullied or beat up cause there different stand up for them because you never know what there going threw at home or mentally never be silent #changingtheworld #nextgeneration

weeping willow your son is too young to be learning about stuff like that especially lgbtq, you are a degenerate.

[@desireelea9333]

Brianna Bayon you go girl!

[@KodaLeck]

I am so homeschooling my kids,keep them out of fucked up public schools and I went and honestly its changed in the past couple of years since I graduated

[@kt47793]

I'm SO glad my kids left school before any of this reaches the schools in the uk this is something the PARENTS should be choosing to tell THEIR kids

[@MorganBennett]

I never learned this in Kindergarten

[@livelovegrow96]

I agree, at that age they are a little too young to have that conversation. I mean clearly it was too much for them. I think it’s something the parents have to decide, the school board should respect that.

[@CeeJay611]

I agree. They always seem to keep these things a secret from the parent by not requiring teachers to inform parents but it's not right

[@CeeJay611]

Why is it that every time I hear or read a story like this the parents are never informed first? It's like they're trying to be sneaky about it. Parents should be involved in what their child is learning n not kept out of the loop

[@Lizzie4280]

This is a conversation PARENTS should have NOT teachers.... And parents definitely should have been advised PRIOR

[@midnightssun8495]

I believe that at an age they should be talked about gender identity in a non biased form or opinion but kindergartens are just too young maybe when they’re 4-5th grade would be better but not as a kindergarten they probably don’t even know what identity means yet

[@matthewmclees4105]

Disgusting and disgraceful that this is even somewhat considered appropriate in a class room full of five year olds. That teacher should be locked up!

[@solasta.x]

Talk about gender identity when they ask or when they enter middle school

[@munku121]

1. I have Transgender friends. Two, in fact. I do not hate/bigot against them. And, I am a Christian. I even treated one of my Transgender friends to a night of slushies and a walk on the bride. 2. With that being said, it is up to the PARENTS to decide that. NOT the "eff"ing school board. Big Brother is trying, harder and harder, to muscle in on sacred, family traditions/values. One reason, if I father any children, they will be home schooled. And, if, for some un-foreseeable reason, I do public school for them: if the so-called teachers try this stuff with them, they will be pulled out of that school so fast that the teachers/principles' heads will spin. Parents are the parents, not the teachers. Just stick to teaching them math, history, science, English, and typing/computer skills. There were a few times when my mother and grandmother had to put their feet down with the schools that I went to. Just goes to show you: Parents have to be strong and stand up to the so-called "system" from time to time. Peace.

[@thriftyworkinggirl7481]

This is so stupid. If your child feels like that, it's something your family can deal with and they can choose to change at the age of 18 just like any other legal choice. Chances are at that age they are just being kids, my daughter wanted to be a ""truck when she grew up." LOL. When I was seven I was convinced I was surrounded by magical fairies and that my stuffed animals were real, it's just too young!!!!! It doesn't need to be introduced into the school system, go see a school counselor if you're concerned. Kids also repeat what other people say, so you just never know because they don't even know! I think this is a form of abuse actually if you are enabling your child to alter their body at such a young age.

[@jgsmachine1776]

Kindergartners ??? This is child abuse of a sexual nature. These sick people belong in prison.

[@MsEliteForever]

I would cry too if I was taught I can turn into a boy too😂 When I have kids they'll be home schooled.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

Typically, I'd wait until the kids were older, but since there was a trans kid in that class...they we're going to have to eventually acknowledge it. I do think there should be parental permission involved, and give the option for parents to come in and be involved if they wish. When I was in school, we had a presentation about getting our periods, and my mom and sister sat in on the presentation.

[@myworld4257]

That’s nonsense, you are a boy if you’re born a boy and a girl if you’re born a girl, no one cares about your feelings and it’s basic biology

[@kellylynn8662]

Seriously?! Just NO.

[@Lily-jm4wg]

Oh don’t get your panties in a twist, if that girl was my child and crying because she was afraid she was going to turn into a boy I’d slap her silly. That’s ridiculous, as they’re growing up they’ll KNOW whether or not they’re comfortable the way they are.

[@rubicunduseratiudas1264]

These children should be helped to overcome their gender dysphoria. Encouraging it is child abuse and it's a crime.

[@edjvlogs2605]

a few years ago, before my transition, my baby cousin of 2 years old was sitting at the kitchen table. someone in my family referred to me as a girl, and that darling child, just barely forming full thoughts, said "no, boy!" and my relative tried to say "no this is your cousin she's a girl" and bless that toddler's soul she braced the sides of her highchair tray and let out a blood-curdling "BOOOOOOOYYYYYY!!!!!!" she knew what my name was but she didn't think of it as a girl name, she just knew i was her cousin who is a boy. All children learn at a different age. And i do know that educating is the best way to help kids understand the different types of human beings in the world be it by ethnicity, disability, etc. No child should have to feel misunderstood for being who they are. Kids in kindergarten just know "i am who i am and my friends are who they are" and they don't normally think in terms of gender- that is something placed upon young minds by outsiders. Left alone to his own devices a toddler boy would pick up a barbie and play with it- it is only when his parent says "no! play with this truck!" that he begins to think that he must play with trucks because he's a boy. However having a complex conversation about ANYTHING with a kindergartener is going to be nearly impossible, and will just confuse or frustrate them. After all they just want to have snack time and try to lick their elbows. I think that gender identity education should be started around the same time as sex education, when the differences surrounding the sexes (because yes, medically there actually is more than just "penis" and "vagina" and i don't care what you think, that is just scientific fact) start to become actually relevant. Sex education needs to be improved upon as well because so many schools still just teach abstinence and kids don't actually learn anything about stds or birth control or safe sex. Sex and gender education should begin around 4th or 5th grade in my opinion because that's when my class watched the puberty movie, and it all made perfect sense to us. Before then we didn't give a flying fuck about anything except which kid could burp the longest. Before then though, just let kids be kids. They don't need to think about who's a boy and who's a girl or who's black or who's white. Those things just don't matter to kids. Little kids shouldn't have to be the ones taught about gender identity, because they don't typically know what gender even means. However, no matter what age they are, those kids should feel safe to go to their teacher or parents to express their feelings without the fear of being judged or punished. And that won't happen unless TEACHERS and PARENTS are educated about it. That's why organizations like PFLAG exist. Kindergarteners will not discriminate on their own. That's something they are taught to do.

[@perryjeff77]

Jesus coming back for His church really soon. Keep questioning God in everything. Keep searching!

[@matsheen2564]

Well it’s been 3 years and we are still waiting…….

[@matthewpancini7300]

Imma trans guy, and this is honestly fucked. This would have confused the shit out of me when I was younger. Although I always new that something was wrong when it came to my sex characteristics, I didn’t need to be focused on my gender when I was 5-6 years old. I would teach this to kids around the age of 10-12. Not only that, but it’s much more complex then just FEELING like a boy/girl. I have fucking panic attacks whenever I get in the shower because my breasts and hips and genitalia give me so much dysphoria. Also being born transgender is so, so rare. The bottom line is that young kids shouldn’t be focusing on gender identity.

[@diysy9431]

Too young ! I don’t hate on gender I think way older maybe 6th grade but they should definitely have parents consent

[@bleb87]

This. Let parents decide this. Not schools

[@bmckin2011]

Absolutely not. Not the appropriate age, whatsoever! If this were happening in MY school, my child would be taken out immediately. Parents need to teach children about their bodies (as in what organs they possess), but sex is not to be discussed until they are WELL into puberty.

[@shahn.3981]

ok...I think your kids are perfectly capable of figuring out their gender identification on their own. It is really not necessary to make this matter a school curriculum. Yes, the school can make accomodations, and yes, any student’s peers should be taught to be respectful, but we do not need to teach KINDERGARTENERS this, for crying out loud! Kindergarteners are not a group of people you can expect to be respectful and rational, or firmly decided in what they identify as. When I was a kid, I was pretty “tomboyish”, I liked playing in the dirt, I hated wearing dresses and skirts, and I loved toys like racecars and train sets, as well as trading card games. All my friends were boys. But what I liked then is not an excuse for my school or my parents to just decide that I should identify as a boy. I am biologically female, I am attracted to men, and I identify as female. What we SHOULD teach the kindergarteners is that not every girl needs to like the same things and not every boy needs to like the same things. Throw all the toys in one big pile and let the kids pick for themselves what they like to play with. Let the girls play with legos and trucks if they want, and let the boys play with the barbies if they want (but supervise them well so they don’t swallow any small toys by accident!!). AND LET THE KIDDOS DECIDE WHAT THEY IDENTIFY AS ON THEIR OWN TERMS!

[@PennyWenny224]

It shouldn't be spoken about it should just be a mutual understanding that anyone can be whatever gender they want. I think that the parents should have spoken to the kids first

[@korecovers6435]

The kids don't need to have a mindset of gender there not confused so keep it that way. We are all boys and girls when will people notice gender isn't about you feel your just born like that forever.

[@honestbabe8581]

Bernicewzw Exactly gender is biological not a I feel I'm something

[@Georgeツ]

They need to add this to the curriculum of new teachers that are still in teacher's college. They need some evidence to figure out which time is best. We can't just leave it up to each individual school. They will 100% mess things up because npthing they're dping is gping tp be based on research and science.

[@mluz1916]

Children have always confused he as she and she as he they do not have a proper concept of gender but we as adults understand and hold having the proper way to address someone and the concept of another adult being transgender and look how long it's taken us to graso that, It is okay to allow your child to play with opposite sex toys such as your little girl playing with cars there is no harm done, but when you start encouraging her to dress like a little boy or your little boy to wear dresses thats child abuse. You wouldn't encourage odd behavior this is odd for someone so young that is barely learning how put sentences together and being able to tell time correctly. If your 7 year old came to you saying that he is comfortable kicking the family dog it just feels right ut let's him "vent" as a parent that would not only be odd but you most definitely would not encourage that behaviour simply because you kiddo said it felt right you would find other ways and outlets for that child to vent and find a more safe and positive way to feel comfortable. Children are also very curious and do not understand that perhaps touching is not a good thing, so okay we spark the curious part of the brain of a child and what happens they want to conduct research and lool at each other "places" and it can lead to child on child unknowing molestation. Just saying im not against Transgenders this is how I feel.

[@leednata120]

Are you saying that a little boy who wanted to wear dresses should be discouraged from doing so though? If a 5 year old boy wants to dress up as Elsa from frozen is that ok? I think kids should be encouraged to express themselves. If I had a son who wanted to wear a dress out in public I would let him. If he felt shy about dressing as his favourite princess for Halloween because he was worried about not being allowed certain things due to his gender, I would encourage the idea that he is entitled to wear anything a girl his age would be allowed to wear.

[@shamusmcfly3440]

You don’t need to have lessons if they are normal. Should we teach them every “psychologically stressing” condition?

[@jamielooney1304]

I have not read any of the books written to educate children about gender identity so I don't know exactly what these kids are being told but I believe that it should be made clear that this is not something to be afraid of. Kids should be allowed to express themselves in whatever way they choose, you can be a boy who likes wearing makeup, you can be a girl who likes monster trucks, etc. If they happen to identify as something else than what they are assigned at birth then why can't they embrace that? Like does that really affect you that much? Let the kid be happy for fuck's sake. When I was in elementary school I was often teased for liking my hair short and wearing "boys" clothes, it was an extremely difficult thing to deal with then but luckily now I really just don't give a fuck. I can be a girl and like whatever the fuck I want.

[@TheSonnyjoseph250]

devil works even in kindergarten

[@hippyvanobsessed]

WTF I'm a major advocate for educating children at early ages. This teacher obviously didn't explain clearly enough. I've helped to teach young cousins about gender and gender issues. When done correctly it poses few questions x

[@lucianotapia840]

At the age Of 4 kids barely understand 5+5, so teaching them about something as complicated as gender identity is like teaching a 5th grader about the working of a nuclear bomb.

[@oddooddood7677]

Okay, but like there was a trans kid in the class that transitioned. While I don't necessary agree that kids can be trans, what were they supposed to do? Just have the kid that transitioned come in as a different gender, and go by a different name, imagine how confusing THAT would be. While the teacher shouldn't have done it the way she did, it needed to be done.

[@jeromes6058]

oddooddood i like your dog

[@lauramae554]

oddooddood They should’ve told the other parents first to involve them in the discussion process. I would rather talk to my son and daughter about it and explain it rather then a teacher at school.

[@samanthawithee2303]

They should of sent i note to all parents

[@honestbabe8581]

oddooddood so because of only one kid everybody is meant to get their kids confused?

[@allyoopintheair972]

wrong, disgusting, kids dont need to think about this....think about educating first and identity later...when kids start choosing their clothes, activities, think about their culture...there are books for this but gender identity and sexuality should come much later.... this is separating us as mankind...kids get confused and dont understand this idea... this duality will make kids unconfident and unsure...I think there are flaws in the logistics of this..nothing to do with politics, even values...this is just ridiculous. Further more...sending your kid to school with a TG book is setting them up for failure and saying"you're special and different from everyone else." Also, other kids will think "Hey, my parents dont tell me this, maybe Im not special." Politics and social issues should not come in at such a young age,nor have so much emphasis in the classroom...

[@davidreyes1336]

All I hear is prejudice comments and hurtful words in the comments. How can you expect to understand or learn without listening and have an open mind? You do not have to agree if the world is flat or round but science and experts will tell you the world is round. Ignorance and intolerance will only make you world so much smaller than what it is, while ones with the ability to listen and respect is ENORMOUS. 😊

[@CeeJay611]

I agree but let's be clear there's intolerance on the other side for those who don't agree. It's not just for those who don't agree to listen n understand it's also for the other side to listen n understand. Point blank it's wrong to teach these things to children without notifying the parents. No matter the law or rules. It's wrong. Period. The parents should be able to decide if they want their child to learn it from n inexperienced teacher about these things n what if the parents would have liked to be there when it was taught. I think these kinds of things should be taught by child psychologists so that we know it's not being taught in a way to make children think they have to follow along but that acceptance is what is key

[@mariaborges5351]

Leave it to the parents. Sex should not be tough I school. They are not the governments children.

[@staceymadden3392]

Can we please just teach our kids reading, math science, history etc. Schools should not teach our children about transgender, homosexuality and sex that is up to the parent and their beliefs. Kids do not need to read about these subjects in school all materials should relate to learning the basic core subjects. Keep it simple and stick to educating the mind. Stop trying to parent the students that's not what school is designed for.

[@Afmedic85]

Stacey Madden That's why the US is behind everyone as far as education. Too busy teaching about gender and sexuality etc. Meanwhile We have high school age kids who can't read.

[@Xycopixie]

The kids were taught about gender NOT sex or sexuality. At that age it's just who plays with what toys and who gets to wear a dress.

[@lozl3]

Stop confusing children

[@davidr.4288]

These people can’t be serious

[@sheenablueeyesblondie2363]

I dressed up like my brothers when i was little..my mom wanted me to have long hair and i liked short hair.i was raised with all boys..my brothers and cousins.i wanted to pee standing up lol.i was a "tomboy" thats what it was called.im still a girl and i love men.now my cousin use to play with dolls.i was jealous cus he got his cabbage patch doll before me 😕.we use to play dress up and he dressed himself like an old lady lol.anyways...hes gay.i knew it all along and it was normal to me.i now have 2 grown girls.one is straight the other is bi.she came out to me and i was so happy for her.at such a young age unless its pushed in your face your just learning about the world.the healthier thing and smarter thing to do is let them grow up without the pressures of who they could be and let them figure it out naturally as they grow.thats just way to young and way to confusing for a little one.

[@Fun2654]

they must 1earn ab0ut this at a y0ung age s0 they can be 0pen minded citizens

[@gerardoixehuatl6776]

I have to disagree

[@dxmxo9427]

I always had gender identity, Evers since I remember, get on with it, Educate and Stop the Fear and Hate

[@lucianotapia840]

Yeah but like sex Ed it should be done when the child can mentally understand it. 4 year olds understand jack shit.

[@demonhog922]

I feel like transgenderism and all that (except gender dysphoria, which is/should be accepted as a mental illness) is just a result of bad parenting. I was raised watching TV shows about cars with my father and doing woodworking with my grandfather woodworking. My sister was raised playing with dolls and watching princess cartoons. Up until puberty we didn't even have a clue that we had "genders" and "sexes" because it wasn't important. Yes, If your child approaches you, listen to them, however don't raise a boy watching princess cartoons and playing with dolls. You as a parent have a responsibility to raise a working member of society, not a special little snowflake. School is rough, If you don't want your child to get bullied don't encourage them to be something they don't really understand yet.

[@CeeJay611]

Right. When I was 3-4 yrs old I had no idea that I liked boys. I didn't think about it. As a matter of fact before I was born was the era of boys n girls saying eeewww at the opposite sex until they grew older into adolescence. I don't think I've heard so many ppl say they all knew they were different at 3-4 until like the later 90s early 2000s. I just don't remember hearing anyone talking about it or committing suicide about not being able to come out. Just very different times now n it's happening more n more often

[@ashesyoucall]

pretty sure the only one thats a result of bad parenting is you buddy

[@elelni123]

Never is the right time because Gods Bible says nothing about it, so guess what it’s not true! If they try this in my kids class, they will see!

[@jennakaufman4471]

I think it’s fine, because the child asked!

[@aspwasp]

oh FUCK no

[@jamiedjamied8702]

This is NOT APPROPRIATE AT ALL!!!!

[@TheSonnyjoseph250]

looking at that lady ahhhhhh

[@bim9429]

No, no, no. Raise your kids like any responsible parent, then let them do whatever they want when they're 18. This is unacceptable.

[@elizabethb1096]

If you are mad about this a few years ago you were mad about kindergartens being read a story story about a prince marrying a prince..... It’s bigoted

[@TheSonnyjoseph250]

devil is shouting freedom from laws of God

[@heathermariedollface]

Devils work

[@juliebarrette8585]

I'd say : you're a male or a female. That's it.