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Why kids need to learn about gender and sexuality | Lindsay Amer
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Why kids need to learn about gender and sexuality | Lindsay Amer

Queer Kid Stuff: Talking to Kids About LGBTQ+ Issues

Introduction to Queer Kid Stuff

  • The theme song of "Queer Kid Stuff" emphasizes inclusivity, stating it's okay to be gay and that everyone is part of one big family.
  • The web series aims to educate all ages about LGBTQ+ topics, from babies to great-great-grandparents.

Importance of Discussing LGBTQ+ Topics with Children

  • Research by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates children understand their gender identity by age four, making early discussions crucial.
  • Exposure to diversity aids in developing kindness, empathy, and self-confidence in children.

Content and Approach of the Series

  • The series uses songs and simple definitions to explain complex ideas like gender identity, pronouns, consent, and body positivity.
  • Concepts are simplified for young audiences without dumbing them down; for example, introducing gender-neutral pronouns like "they" and "them."

Addressing Misconceptions and Challenges

  • Despite positive intentions behind comments like "Let kids be kids," it often excludes marginalized children who face bullying or worse.
  • Statistics reveal alarming rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth due to bullying; transgender teens are particularly vulnerable.

The Reality of Violence Against the LGBTQ+ Community

  • A significant number of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+, highlighting systemic issues within society.
  • Since 2013, there have been numerous reported killings of trans individuals, predominantly affecting trans women of color.

Personal Experiences with Negativity

  • The creator shares personal experiences with online harassment related to their work in queer media for kids.
  • They reflect on societal challenges faced by queer individuals while emphasizing a commitment to joy despite adversity.

Vision for Future Generations

  • The creator expresses a desire for children to embrace their identities proudly without fear or shame.
Channel: TED
Video description

Lindsay Amer is the creator of "Queer Kid Stuff," an educational video series that breaks down complex ideas around gender and sexuality through songs and metaphors. By giving kids and their families a vocabulary to express themselves, Amer is helping to create more empathetic adults -- and spreading a message of radical acceptance in a world where it's sometimes dangerous to just be yourself. "I want kids to grow up and into themselves with pride for who they are and who they can be," Amer says. Get TED Talks recommended just for you! Learn more at https://www.ted.com/signup. The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You're welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know. For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), please submit a Media Request here: https://media-requests.ted.com/ Follow TED on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TEDTalks Like TED on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TED Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/TED