Do you talk about gender and sexuality with your children? Do they know what it means to be LGBTQ? Do you ever wonder at what age it is most appropriate to have these conversations with your children? As parents, we have a lot on our plate. Navigating conversations like these ones may not be at the top of our list. But almost 6% of adults in the US identify as LGBTQ - and 5-10% of LGBTQ youth attempt suicide each year (roughly 1.5-3 times more than heterosexual youth). It's clear that we have some work to do. Because as my guest on the show today, Chris Tompkins says, the messages about this subject begin on the playground. And while you may not have a child who is LGBTQ, your child will almost certainly interact with someone who is, and we need to begin to change the societal beliefs around the subject. On today's show, we talk about two very important concepts: Heteronormativity, which is the concept of being assumed straight at birth, and Benign Neglect. Both of these societal standards are leading our LGBTQ youth and later, adults, to feel shame, and to live a life where they do not feel accepted for who they are. And that is unacceptable. Chris discusses his book,https://www.amazon.com/Raising-LGBTQ-Allies-Changing-Playground/dp/1538136260/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1N3JHDNCT1SPD&dchild=1&keywords=raising+lgbtq+children&qid=1633397157&sprefix=how+to+raise+kids+who+aren%27%2Caps%2C481&sr=8-5  We discuss at what age to talk to children about the LGBTQ community, why it's important that we must, among other things. This episode is a must for every parent.