Help teenagers better understand gender and sexuality

Gender identity and sexual orientation have become ubiquitous issues with profound implications for everything from marriage laws to the use of public restrooms.

Despite this, I have not read much on the subject in the local newspapers that seems helpful. I am writing today to share some facts that I have gained through my own education. I have raised children, taught adolescent parenting for 15 years, and watched close family and friends address personal gender issues that have fortunately come to light and been put into words so that it is now possible to deal with them more effectively.

Almost all teenagers question their developing sexuality, even if only briefly. For some, it is a serious and painful process, especially without compassionate support.

Current statistics show that 20-28% of 18-25 year olds identify as LGBTQ, while half of them identify as bisexual. Bisexuality is a biological phenomenon that is well documented in human history and animal husbandry, and is mentioned in the Bible.

With nearly 30% of this age group holding this self-perception, there is ample opportunity for in-depth and wide-ranging open discussions in which both sexually mature and adult participants, including our current high school students, share facts, fears, and misconceptions.

The task of a teenager is to find out who he is and where he fits in the scheme of life. Our job as adults is to support them in this process: to listen to them, help them sort out their feelings and teach them to find useful information about all sorts of things: How does my body work? How do I get a job?

“She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders” by Jennifer Finney Boylan is an excellent book for any young person who is interested in or wants to understand LGBTQ issues.

It is important to help teenagers gain insight and information, find comfort in the sometimes turbulent and confusing maturation of their bodies – and, most importantly, develop pride and acceptance. Withholding relevant facts runs counter to these goals.

Useful information on gender issues helps not only those who are serious about themselves, but also those around them to acquire life skills related to understanding, acceptance and compassion for themselves and others.

Sexuality and gender identity are continuities, a complicated mix of genetics, biochemistry, brain function and social factors.

Over the course of evolution, organisms have developed both sex organs necessary for reproduction. Over the course of evolution, some organisms have specialized to have one sex organ or the other, and others have retained both. Modern humans are complex creatures, but nature does not produce finished products. It is not static, but constantly evolving.

Who knows how babies will be produced one day? We already have birth control and cloning, artificial insemination and genetic manipulation.

If we experience changes in sexuality and gender expression, then so be it. The true human goal is for each of us to know who we are as best as possible, to be comfortable in our own skin, and to be able to build positive relationships with others throughout our lives.

Let us give this gift to each other wherever and however we can.

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