How do you explain LGBTQ+ relationships to your children? I’ll give you a hint – really, really easily. Try it: “Some men love men, some women love women and some people love both (or neither).” Ta da.
If your child is anything like mine, this groundbreaking revelation about the various permutations of love will be met with a distinctly underwhelming, “Oh”. Promptly followed by a request for biscuits or a go on the trampoline.
Kids: it’s not that they don’t care, it’s just they make you realise that when it comes to learning about individual differences, it’s really no big deal.
And they’ll set each other straight, too. I’ve heard my daughter pipe up in the playground when a bunch of kids were role-playing a wedding: “Don’t forget: girls can marry girls.” And when someone teases her – as unthinking adults tend to do and it always grates – about having a “boyfriend”, she’ll say, cool as anything: “I haven’t got a boyfriend, or a girlfriend.” Right on, sister.
It’s saying something when the leader of the House of Commons could take tips from a seven-year-old. Andrea Leadsom just... doesn’t get it. She’s only added to the row over teaching LGBTQ+ rights in schools by suggesting parents should be able to decide when children are “exposed” to such lessons. As if children being “exposed” to the existence of LGBTQ+ people – many of whom will be family members, friends or the children themselves – is in any way a matter of concern. My daughter would say Leadsom is being a “very silly bum”.
I’ve taken my children to Pride parades since before they could walk and talk. They’ve waved rainbow flags in London, Brighton and Vancouver; they’ve been doused in glitter, blown whistles and watched incredible floats pass by – including a stunning replica of the Starship Enterprise bearing the message: ‘Clean, Sober, Proud’.
They’ve been held aloft on the shoulders of – and held hands with – bare-chested revellers and read slogans such as, “Some people are gay, get over it”. And I can’t think of better phonics practice for early readers than that.
[Read More: This Was What It Was Like To Give Birth During Pride]
Because what they’re getting from joining in with Pride celebrations, and in being taught that life isn’t all about ‘girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy live happily ever after’ – despite what Disney would have us believe – is firsthand experience of diverse and inclusive love, celebration and joy.
And to hear that reflected in her choice of playground games? Well, I’ve never been prouder.