Why aren't we talking about this? | LGBTQ+ | Homeschooling

[@MoringLife]

As a queer homeschool parent, I am grateful that you’re speaking on this (and all the other social justice issues you talk about)!

[@michellegf]

Thank you for watching ❤️

[@karasuthedreamer6353]

I’m queer and plan to homeschool my future children. You’re one of the few Christian homeschoolers I watch. I love your videos and all the resources you put out.

[@heartwoodhomeschool]

I’m also a queer future homeschooler! My wife and I are so excited about connecting with other homeschoolers (our oldest is still 3, so we’re just getting started), but I confess I do tend to avoid trying to connect with Christian homeschoolers because I tend to assume they’ll hate us when they find out how our family is configured. I could always tell you weren’t that kind of Christian, though, Michelle. ❤ Thanks so much for talking about this!

[@michellegf]

Thank you and I appreciate you supporting my channel ❤️

[@heathert8895]

Great video! I love how you aren't afraid to call out the b.s. I did notice this year more companies than ever before acknowledging Juneteenth, so Yay! for babysteps.

[@michellegf]

I’ve noticed that as well! Any steps forward, no matter how small is still a step in the right direction 😄

[@allisonloudon2859]

I am a new subscriber, also a Christian and this video exactly how I feel. I am just eating up your videos! Thank you for having a (unfortunately) unique perspective in the homeschool community! So many of your videos have been so helpful for me!

[@michellegf]

I’m so glad my channel has been helpful to you 😄

[@katescott6931]

My son is LGBTQ+ and him experiencing bullying at school is the biggest reason I chose to homeschool. I haven’t found any specific curriculum, but there are lots of non-fiction books about LBGTQ+ history that I’ve added to our homeschool.

[@michellegf]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m sorry your child experienced that. I would love to know some of the books you use 📚. I have an assorted collection, but I’m always on the lookout for more 😄

[@katescott6931]

@@michellegf I can recommend “This Book is Gay” and “The Queer History of the United States”. I also really like “Wait, What” as a maturation book. It’s a graphic novel about a group of teens discussing puberty and sex together. It gives all the basic maturation info but also includes discussion about consent, the importance of contraception, and sexual orientation in an authentic way.

[@michellegf]

@@katescott6931 thank you!

[@ShaunaDowns]

I'm a 2nd generation homeschooler going into my 4th year of homeschooling an only child. My family and I are Christians but very leftist, inclusive, feminist, pro-science ones who only use secular materials for schooling. Your channel is one of only a few I feel like I can really identify with. I've considered creating my own content but it feels very much like anyone not in absolute lockstep with the ultra conservative Bible-thumping homeschool mom cult is just going to spend most of their time dealing with ignorant comments and attacks. But then I see that you're actually doing a really great job of making it work and I am both impressed and inspired. Keep up the great work. You're a much-needed breath of fresh air.

[@colorswordsandlearning]

She is

[@ThePattersonHomeschoolAcademy]

I for one, would love to see you create your own content. You will find support from many.

[@МиссВи-к3у]

I would love to see the content from a 2nd generation homeschooling family who also shares my values. Hope you start creating videos if you feel the calling to do so.

[@michellegf]

I agree with everyone else and would love to see you create your own content! I started my channel because I didn’t really identify with what I was seeing. I appreciate your support and kind words ❤️

[@Cassie876]

A trans Christian here. I was homeschooled with ACE (Accelerated Christian Education), and as I grew to become more “open-minded/less fundamentalist”, I started to hate it. I still remember how the physics book would, with barely any transition, go from talking about physics to going on about some story about some kid falsely accused of stealing a watch and It was a whole crisis of faith thing only to go back to physics with barely any transition, and it drove me insane like, “What does this have to do with physics?!?!” There were all kinds that stuff in the books. Even though I’m still religious I kind of dislike the “hyper-religious” stuff (don’t know how else to describe it) so you can guess how I felt about the weird parts. Then I remember one of the older geography books full-on played devil's advocate for *_South African apartheid._* Remember, another curriculum from the 80s/90s was worse and full-on just called Nelson Mandela a communist or something, but I don’t remember where it was. I guess this kind of made me a bit more… “sceptical” (to put it kindly) towards homeschooling personally, and some things don’t help that. (like how abusive parents can use homeschooling to isolate their children, and how some homeschooling associations contested some law to prevent these cases because “oh how dare you try to generalise all homeschoolers as abusive” even though the law was supposed to prevent the few bad actors and not all of the homeschooling.) But after watching some of your videos, I can see you hold the same/similar views of those --hyper dogmatic and fundamentalist-- “Christian” homeschooling books. So yeah, I don’t have a problem with homeschooling books unless they're written by weird fundamentalists; it’s just that those are the only ones I had. I do, unfortunately, get the impression that the most loud/prominent parts of the “homeschooling community” are those fundamentalist types who only do it because they don’t like how schools are teaching kids it’s all right to be gay or trans or whatever.

[@michellegf]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and personal experience on this topic.

[@bdhesse]

Thank you for making this video. I'm a queer atheist and I homeschool my kids. I came from an affirming church and know plenty of affirming Christians (outside of the homeschool community), but even with my background, it's hard not to view Christianity as a hateful religion right now with everything going on. Especially when you're immersed in the homeschool community. Luckily, my kids haven't been feeling that good ol' "Christian love" themselves. I am incredibly vigilant when it comes to the type of curricula we pick. I hope by the time they are adults the only Christian love they experience is actually loving.

[@michellegf]

Thank you for sharing. I too struggle with the hateful Christianity being portrayed. I’m so thankful your kids can experience the other side of that ❤️

[@1TLA7]

Are you conflating disagreements and lies with hate? Because that’s what most lgbtq people do

[@bdhesse]

@@1TLA7 This comment is a perfect example of what I was saying. You don't get to decide whether what you're saying is hateful or not. If your words or actions are causing harm to others, that's hate.

[@RaisingWildflowersHomeschool]

THANK YOU!! 🏳️‍🌈 I have been struggling to be brave enough to talk about this in the homeschool space. We are an LGBTQ family and it feels so unsafe to discuss it. There is so much hate and the space is saturated with white Christian Nationalism. I have been surrounded by it homeschooling in the southeast the past 10 years. It has been so encouraging hearing your opinion and reading all the comments ❤✌️ Truly, thank you. Keep speaking.

[@michellegf]

I really appreciate your support and kind words ❤️

[@3akhomeschool]

You are brave and I love this! The ignorance, misinformation and hate showed up just as expected. All talking points present: fake concern for lgbtq kids, the “sins”, you’re not Christian enough, you’re not tolerant (this one is a particularly laughable one), all there. Pointing out their hypocrisy is useless. Your consistency teaching your children to love and care for everyone equally doesn’t change because they don’t agree. Thank you for being honest and respectful and direct in all of your responses too ❤️

[@michellegf]

Thank you for your support and kind words!

[@carahins1674]

Amen! Emily from BYL puts out lots or Queer-friendly content if you haven't watched her channel ( kzbin.info ) -edited to add link.

[@michellegf]

Thanks I will check it out!

[@fbjewels]

It always boggles my mind how one can talk about loving and respecting everyone and people are like “EWW, no way”.

[@raysfordays3698]

Thank you for this video. As a two mom homeschooling family, I truly appreciate the thought and time you put into this topic.

[@michellegf]

Thank you ❤️

[@jlfields88]

As an ally and homeschooling parent of at least one lgbtq+ kiddo, thank you for speaking out, sharing your concerns and always being a trustworthy resource and reviewer! You are so appreciated!!

[@michellegf]

Thank you! Your kind words are greatly appreciated ❤️

[@fancyflamingo123]

Love this! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@mamamatheson1889]

SING IT SISTER!!!!! I’m so proud of you and your channel.

[@michellegf]

Thank you I appreciate the support! ❤️

[@Trekkifulshay]

Currently a local mom is trying to get a co-op up and running and she's facing push back because it will be an inclusive and affirming group. It can be tough being in a conservative area. I joined a secular group bc even I'm tired of Christians and I am one.

[@HayleySulfridge]

It’s really sad how many people claim to be Christian yet only seem to push people away with judgement. When Jesus actually taught love. I’m no longer a Christian and even i find it sad how much many Christians are failing their own religion. Sounds like you are one of the true ones ❤

[@michellegf]

It really can be tough! I created an inclusive CoOp because the only options anywhere near me were really conservative Christians.

[@michellegf]

@@HayleySulfridge what you said exactly!

[@JaimeSmith317]

Im happy you are speqking on this!

[@NicoleCC21]

One of my children is part of the LGBTQ+ community. We also homeschool. Thank you for this video!!

[@heidikennedy8206]

Its a major concern not just with homeschooling. I have been struggling with organized religion and finding a church that promotes what I was taught, God loves all of his children and judge not lest yea be judged. All i see lately is hate and judgement and i wont accept that in our home.

[@michellegf]

I totally understand! It’s something I honestly struggle with as well.

[@bethanypetersen7005]

My daughter is LGBTQ and our secular homeschool co-op has been amazing! So many of the other kids are also LGBTQ so they are a great support. Thank you

[@michellegf]

I’m so glad you have found a supportive homeschool community!

[@Desertsecularhomeschool]

Thank you for this video ❤ as a queer, progressive, homeschooler I definitely struggle finding a place in the community.

[@michellegf]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience ❤️

[@yes_just_taz]

Thank you for existing. That’s all I’ll say. People like you are very important. Simply being who you are. Never forget this.

[@michellegf]

Thank you ❤️

[@carolinenorthenor3634]

THANK YOU FOR ADDRESSING THIS AND IN SUCH AN HONEST & SINCERE WAY! 🌈🌈

[@michellegf]

Thank you for watching and sharing your support ❤️

[@AlyssaNikole]

You just made me love you so much more!! 🎉

[@Lmalatz]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Thank you for being a good human.

[@michellegf]

Thank you! I really appreciate your comment 😁

[@SecretCinemaSocietyPodcast]

Thank you for this video. I’m a queer homeschooling mama and I usually don’t engage with other homeschoolers online. It can be scary because I see so many homeschoolers are very openly homophobic and bigoted. Seeing your content has warmed my heart.

[@michellegf]

I’m so glad ❤️ and thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@МиссВи-к3у]

I appreciate you so much for this. ❤ You are a beautiful person inside and out. Likeminded subscribers who align with you in their mentality and aspirations will always find you, and haters can go someplace else.

[@michellegf]

Thank you and I appreciate the words of encouragement 😁

[@bbee674]

Great video. I agree with you, mostly. I am in favour of inclusive learning and curricula- although where I live, following published curricula seems a lot less common. I absolutely agree with you about the need to check credentials of those writing the material. There are so many problems with curricula in general and specifically the LGBTQ+ educational materials available, particularly those that have found themselves into schools. I home school for many, many reasons (not PSHE related) but I would not be happy with the sex and relationships education given in the state schools. Possibly, at first glance, this might seem biggoted... I do support an inclusive education, BUT I strongly dislike the materials currently used. I think they are a horrible mixture of reactive politics, over simplified information, to the point of confusion, and sexualising childhood behaviours. And just to be clear, I don't think children seeing LGBTQ+ representation is sexualising 'or having an agenda', 'recruiting' them..! (I know those views are often touted) But what I really dislike, is that LGBTQ+ issues are taught as an 'other', not just as being a normal part of the community. LGBTQ+ people are so much more than their representation in most literature aimed at children. There is a book in our library about a child who decides that they are in the wrong body, because they want to have short hair and play football. I think this is terribly reductionist and so confusing, if it is not explained that the having short hair and wanting to play football is not the thing that makes someone trans. My son was asked by another child if he was trans because he learns the violin and enjoys Shakespeare club?!? Apparently those are 'girl activities'. If he is, it is not the violin and Shakespeare that would define that! It just seems we are totally missing the point and reinforcing gender stereotypes. My son has recently recounted how in a break at one of his activities some of the children were discussing/ ??calculating?? who was gay and who was straight in the group of 7-12 year olds. This, apparently can be calculated by tallying up how many friends they each had that were boys/ girls. According to their calculations all the girls were lesbians because they had more girl friends and all but one boy was gay, because they had more friends that were boys and 'preferred boy company.' It is shocking to me how much time and thought has been given to PSHE learning and this is how it is turning out! Dismal. Is this helping us become a fairer, safer, inclusive society? I think not. Is this why people are 'anti-woke'? To me it is ridiculous that so much effort can go into something and completely miss the point. I am so lucky to be part of a very diverse church and I really love that all the rainbow of people there are full representations of themselves and not just a piece of their story paraded for point. So I suppose I think it is poor taste to teach LGBTQ+ issues as a discrete subject. Just as I would never going looking for a LGBTQ+ friend just for the attribute of that label, but of course I have lovely friends who are LGBTQ+! I think there are certain things that can't be taught discretely- they are just part of life and to treat them as anything else is a bit naff. I hope that makes sense. Also, we I live the homeschool community in general is much more inclusive than other areas of life. There are of course a small minority of conservative Christian homeschoolers who are not inclusive and seem to choose to homeschool specifically to 'shield' their children from diversity. I also have to add that where I live in the UK, it is far more 'socially acceptable' especially among the 'educated middle classes' to denigrate Christianity (all the denominations) and others of faith. Religion is often met with a raised eyebrow and the attitude that religious people deserve anything that comes to them, if they are foolish enough to have faith... Our Easter Service was heckled and security was required.

[@michellegf]

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and personal experience with this. I think you bring up some really interesting points!

[@inquisitivemindsacademy]

THANK YOU AGAIN for being such an amazing voice for marginalized communities!! I’ve said multiple times that we need more people like you in this world…and it stands true once again! So grateful for you Michelle!!!! ❤️

[@michellegf]

Thank you and I truly appreciate your kinds words ❤️

[@amandamendoza4181]

This is something I am trying to work through in my own life, as I have many gay family members. Thank you for being so transparent. ❤

[@SNF122784]

I think most people homeschool to avoid this topic for their children. Not all but the overwhelming majority do.

[@michellegf]

I do think that is a factor as well.

[@lorijackson3414]

You are so kind for making this video! ❤ I feel the same way!

[@michellegf]

Thank you ❤️

[@Charlotte_Beach]

Another reason why you’re the best!

[@Hot_Springs_Homeschool]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[@erinharrison6968]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🏳️‍🌈

[@darkravenbella]

I don't understand why everyone and everything has to be about kids sex orientation...why we as parent worry about it so much or worry about other kids sex orientation especially when it comes to their education...what does math, science, and ELA have anything to do with it. I think we do more harm then any good and expose them to deprivations at an early age. Teach your kids an education that will get them to succeed in life and when they become adults they will figure out their sexual orientation on their own. I feel like we as parents are failing our kids because we want to be inclusive. Stop worrying about your kids sexual orientation or other kids, it just weird. Let your kids be kids and if they have questions answer them as an adult would stop trying to be their friends and allies, and be a parent. Good luck to you and your family.

[@michellegf]

I think providing an inclusive learning environment is important. Not only does it foster a safe and accepting environment for your child it also fosters empathy for others as well. It’s important to have representation in literature and having a basic understanding of science better helps a person understand that sexual orientation is not a choice but an inherent part of who a person is.

[@teresanorris4769]

🏳️‍🌈❤

[@steviecarlucci5630]

YES! THANK YOU!!

[@salemcurtis626]

❤ I loved this video 🌈

[@VeganEmelda]

Thank you for this!

[@Charlotte_Beach]

Just gonna comment and watch again for the haters 🏳️‍🌈❤️.

[@michellegf]

I appreciate the support!

[@SecretCinemaSocietyPodcast]

I love this channel !!🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

[@DawnRanabargar]

Marriage IS BETWEEN "MAN & WOMAN" read your bible.

[@Charlotte_Beach]

Then don’t marry a woman 🤷🏻‍♀️ You do you and leave everyone else alone.

[@erinashley1910]

This is so wrong on so many levels. I had to unsubscribe.

[@NicoleCC21]

Bye!

[@SecretCinemaSocietyPodcast]

Good byyyyye

[@steviecarlucci5630]

😂 clearly you weren't paying attention (to the video or real life)

[@jlfields88]

Love when bigots self-identify!!! 👋

[@jasminehartley9692]

Yikes … people have different beliefs, and bible believing Christians clearly feel different than you. But your video surely doesn’t feel loving “ or tolerant “ of others with different beliefs than you..

[@michellegf]

In order to reach a place of equality for all, one must be able to acknowledge the inequality that exists in the first place

[@jasminehartley9692]

I can agree ( as a Jesus following bible believing Christian) that the Christian community focuses more on the sin of the lgbt community more than say, sex before marriage . It seems people tend to focus on the sin that they do not personally struggle with, and I have a problem not calling out ALL sexual sin. However I don’t think the approach of teaching it to our children as “acceptable” is truly God honoring. We can love people and not love sin, we can also love people different than us without condemning them( that is not our job). However sometimes people take things personally and as “hate” when people have other opinions and do not waver on them. We are called not to conform to this world, just because the world accepts it doesn’t mean we should. And again this is for ALL sexual sin.I only write this to say, it doesn’t feel like a very biblical place that you made this video from and if you are bringing the Lord into this conversation (which you did) I recommend truly seeking his will and praying before you make another video like this.

[@DawnRanabargar]

You are not a Christian, and your husband is no pastor. Not biblically based Christians. This is absolutely absurd.

[@colorswordsandlearning]

This is a good video and I truly do appreciate your videos and recommendations BUT you havent talked about the Genocide done on Palestinians, the Occupation and Apartheid on Palestinians since the last 76+ years either.And not complicate a simple issue like the C**loniz**** wants one to . So , maybe you shouldnt get on a High Horse either . Everyone has their own hypocrisy and justifications for neglecting different Social Justice issue. People please watch Rev.Munther.Isaac's videos .

[@karenbarth-vt7of]

It's Pride month, not Palestinian month. Anyway, this year is Palestine, last year was Ukraine, the other COVID vax. There's always some hot subject of any type. And what makes you think that she doesn't touch those things at her homeschooling?

[@colorswordsandlearning]

​. As I said this video is good . But she did say nobody is talking in videos and communities about LGBTQ+ and she is right . I just pointed out to her that she has her own Blind spots . All through these 8 months I haven't seen her post any video on Palestinians and their Occupation and Genocide. No need to get so defensive . Your very flippant treatmebt of the topic makes you out as an Imperialist or at the very least a Racist , NOT bothered about what's happening to brown and black people across the globe ... at the hands of your government and your money . Niiice . Before pointing fingers at others , check your own bigotry and biases . Or at least acknowledge that to move forward. Only then can you have a TRULY honest and Integrity filled spaces , fully INCLUSIVE of ALL.

[@karenbarth-vt7of]

​ @colorswordsandlearning First of all, I'm not WASP, my skin colour is more like Palestinian. And my money, I mean, my country's money it's given to Palestine. Sorry I'm not American, we are one of those countries that supports the Palestinian cause.

[@michellegf]

Your right I haven’t talked about this issue on my channel. As I said in the video I don’t want to overstep my place as I don’t represent every group of people. I chose to specifically talk about the LGBTQ+ issue as I have found it intricately woven into many facets of homeschooling. I also feel that I have enough personal experience in the area to voice my opinion on it. I am not nearly educated enough on all social justice issues to speak about them. I do appreciate including a resource to learn more.

[@Ameborl]

You’re brave for posting this! This is obviously a very controversial issue. I think LGBT+ people is not as convertersial, it’s really the medical trans issue that people are upset about and equate with this movement. Personally I support all human beings, WWJD type of thing… however, we must also not deny that there is a misleading pharmaceutical agenda to take healthy kids and put them on puberty blockers which is so damaging to the human body (weak bone density) , including making kids consent to something they have no idea about (they can never orgasm in their lives after those treatments or have children), so we must balance respect for humanity with evil pharmaceutical agendas funded by money and greed.

[@Ameborl]

Another note. I think Christians and non-Christians with traditional values also don’t have a problem with the LGBT+ person per se, it’s more of the sexual promiscuity that is promoted by that culture that is frowned upon. Straight (cis) people have this promiscuity problem too but it’s not as in your face as LGBTQ+ mainstream culture, but both are frowned upon with Christian/ Muslim / Traditional value culture. And they want to keep that away from their kids.

[@Charlotte_Beach]

What are you talking about? What pharmaceutical agenda? Do you have sources for this? Misinformation like this is harming the LGBT community.

[@Ameborl]

@@Charlotte_Beach I live in California and the state just passed a law that any minor that identifies as LGTBQ+ the school can hide it from their parents and they can consent to changing their gender as a minor. What is scary is this can lead to actually changing the body’s gender which involves these puberty blockers before age 12 and sometimes hacking off breasts among other things with older minors. It’s called “gender affirming care” and it’s very controversial with progressive countries like the Netherlands, etc. now putting a stop to it. Google “California and transgender notification policies”. Also minors and gender affirming care. Also in California they have mixed gender locker rooms where a man identifying as a woman can change in your daughter’s locker room, have male genitalia and be naked there, there have been some testimonies about that it’s very eye opening and some of our girls don’t feel comfortable or safe. Again, I’m pointing out very controversial issues within this community not all LGTBQ is about this but it is getting weird…

[@bbee674]

@@Charlotte_Beachtheir agenda is to make money, not to do the right thing by people. This is a particular problem in the US where market forces have more power than government in determining healthcare developments.

[@bbee674]

@@Ameborl My concerns re the LGBTQ+ issues have nothing to do with increased promiscuity, real or perceived. I am however, concerned about us giving drugs to children which alter them physically for life, especially given the lack of research and knowledge.

[@Jordan-pn7fy]

Yucky.

[@TheMommaLibrarian]

🏳️‍🌈❤