Many adult allies—no matter how we identify—grew up believing that “gay people are just born this way.” We embraced this narrative as a way to build empathy and tolerance; to better advocate for fairness and equality.
At the same time, the “born this way” narrative limits our ability to “keep up” when folks (including ourselves) experience any changes in sexuality, gender, or expression. We are confused, judgmental, and maybe even deny the experience all together.
In Lesson 4 of the Queer Futures Now Network curriculum, you are invited to:
Listen to Episode 2 of The Queer Futures Now Podcast: So Many Beautiful Things if you haven’t already
Watch Karen Gee’s TEDx Talk, A More Fluid Understanding of Gender and Sexual Orientation (~17 mins).
Prof. Gee, a self-described “straight and narrow,” cisgender woman, and professor of Psychology and Human Sexuality at Mission College in Santa Clara, CA, explains how and why the science no longer supports a “born this way” hypothesis. She also encourages us to embrace the concept of fluidity when it comes to understanding sexuality and gender.After watching the video, ask youself:
Which part(s) of her talk stood out most to you and why?
How does this explanation of gender and sexuality help you better understand the journey our youth are on?
How might this understanding impact your relationship with the youth you love?
Make sure to subscribe to Queer Futures Now here on Substack. When you do, you become part of the Queer Futures Now Network, a virtual support community facilitated by our partners at HEAL Plus New Mexico. The Queer Futures Now Network is for parents, families, educators and the rest of us who are ready to show up on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth…now.
Each week, you will receive an email with new lessons like this one with tools and resources to add to your ally toolbox.