How Can I Teach My Child to Be Accepting of LGBTQ+ People?
By Julie Diamond, Diamond Teachers Group
June is Pride Month - a time to celebrate love, diversity, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s also a powerful opportunity for parents to engage their children in conversations about acceptance, identity, and inclusion. In an increasingly diverse society like Canada, teaching these values from an early age helps foster empathy, compassion, and a more equitable future.
As educators, we see firsthand the difference it makes when children grow up feeling safe, valued, and understood. Whether your child is part of the LGBTQ+ community or learning to be a better ally, here’s how you, as a parent, can play a meaningful role in building an accepting world starting at home.
Why It Matters
Children often learn values from the adults around them. When families speak openly and supportively about LGBTQ+ people, kids learn that everyone deserves dignity and respect. This is not just about being “politically correct”, it’s about nurturing the emotional intelligence and acceptance that children need to succeed in life, in relationships, and in diverse communities.
Tips for Parents: Teaching Acceptance at Home
1. Start with Age-Appropriate Conversations
You don’t have to explain complex gender theories to a kindergartener. Start with simple concepts like:
"Some families have a mom and a dad. Some have two moms or two dads. All families are special."
"Some people are boys, some are girls, and some feel a little different. That’s okay because everyone deserves to be who they are."
Books, TV shows, and even your child’s own questions can be great conversation starters.
2. Read Inclusive Children’s Books Together
Books are powerful tools for empathy. Canadian libraries and bookstores carry many LGBTQ+-inclusive titles.
Some of my favourites include:
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino (Canadian author!)
Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary
3. Model Inclusive Language
Children mimic what they hear. When you use inclusive language - like saying “partner” instead of assuming “husband/wife,” or using someone's correct pronouns - you teach your child to do the same. If you make a mistake, model how to apologize and correct yourself.
4. Celebrate Pride as a Family
Attend a local Pride event or display a rainbow in your window. These small gestures show support and normalize inclusion. Talk about why Pride exists and how it commemorates a history of struggle and celebration.
5. Encourage Questions and Be Honest When You Don’t Know
If your child asks, “What does non-binary mean?” or “Why does that person have two dads?”, answer in a simple and nonjudgmental way. If you’re unsure, say: “That’s a great question. Let’s learn more together.” This models curiosity and respect.
6. Talk About Bullying and Kindness
Kids should understand that teasing or excluding someone because of their identity is harmful. Encourage your child to speak up if they see bullying, and reinforce the importance of kindness and inclusion at school and online.
7. Work with Your Child’s School
In Canada, most provinces have policies supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools. Learn about your child’s school’s approach to equity and inclusion. Ask how you can support inclusive events, education, or even the school library’s book collection.
Connect to Broader Lessons of Inclusion
Helping children accept LGBTQ+ people is part of a larger conversation about valuing all identities and abilities. You may also want to read our post, How Can I Teach My Child About World Down Syndrome Day?, for more guidance on raising inclusive kids who recognize and celebrate all kinds of differences.
And for the educators in your life, our post How Can Teachers Incorporate LGBTQ+ Perspectives Into Their Classrooms? is a helpful resource that can support school-home consistency.
Parents Often Ask…
Here are some questions Canadian parents commonly ask when it comes to LGBTQ+ education and their children:
1. “Is it age-appropriate to teach kids about LGBTQ+ identities?”
Yes. Age-appropriate means starting with simple ideas like different family structures or the importance of being kind to everyone. It's about inclusion, not sexual content.
2. “What if I’m not comfortable or don’t know how to explain LGBTQ+ issues?”
You don’t have to be an expert. Your openness to learn and discuss is what matters most. Seek resources from organizations like PFLAG Canada or Egale Canada.
3. “What if our family’s cultural or religious background has different views?”
You can teach respect for all people while staying true to your values. Emphasize that every person deserves dignity, and that kindness and respect are universal values.
4. “Won’t talking about LGBTQ+ topics influence my child’s sexuality or gender identity?”
No. Talking about acceptance doesn't change who your child is—it just shows them that they are safe, loved, and free to be themselves or to be a kind ally.
5. “How can I help if my child comes out as LGBTQ+?”
The most important thing is to listen without judgment and offer unconditional love. If you're unsure how to support them, consider reaching out to support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ youth.
At Diamond Teachers Group, we believe that every child shines brighter when they feel safe and valued. Pride Month is a wonderful reminder to affirm our commitment to inclusive education - not just in schools, but at home. As parents and educators, we can light the way by modeling compassion, curiosity, and courage.
Let’s raise children who are proud of who they are and kind to those around them. Because acceptance isn’t just for June - it’s for every day.