Homophobia Classes For Kids In The UK

There are ongoing plans to educate children in the UK about homophobic bullying.

Kids as young as 7, as part of their social and sex education (sometimes called "Life Skills Classes"), are to have education on this issue.

Sex education, in general, can be a controversial subject. People often disagree on what age, and to what depth, to teach and discuss sex.

So of course this step has raised a few eyebrows.

I am glad this is happening. Not just because I am gay. But because there are millions of kids, across the world, who are gay, and who are bullied relentlessly because of it.

I am not saying that 7 year olds are aware of themselves in this matter. But I am saying to be able to discuss, think and ask questions about these issues, at this age, at an appropriate level, prepares people. It prepares people to know themselves better, to know their friends better, and to know the world better.

There are also plans for a Stonewall film to be screened in secondary schools, starting in February. The film portrays students, some gay, some straight and some unsure of their sexuality, and how this can impact on their lives, including bullying.

A spokesperson for Famliy and Youth Concern, a parenting group, has stated this planned program of education is a device. A device to indoctrinate society into accepting homosexuality.

The spokesperson makes a sweeping claim, that most parents do not want schools painting a picture of homosexuality with positive messages and images. He does not want homosexuality to be seen as good, and believes "most" parents feel the same way.

I believe most parents would not want their child to kill themselves because they were bullied for being who they are. This happens. Kids kill themselves. Or are killed.

*In New York, April 2009, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover hanged himself. He was 11 years old. He never identified as being gay, but he had been bullied, daily, for being gay.

*On 12th of February 2008, in California, Larry King was shot dead. He was 15 years old. Larry had given a Valentine's card to a boy in his class. This boy was offended and so killed Larry. For being gay.

Whatever your views are on homosexuality, I don't believe any parent wants their child to die. Please educate them. Equip them with knowledge and "Life Skills" to enhance their ability to make judgements and decisions.

Of course, raise them as you believe is right and proper, but tolerance and respect should be nurtured.

Life is unpredictable.

It could be your kid.