"This is all normal and normal is relative to you": LGBTQ+ Parents' Experiences Discussing Sex and Sexuality with their Children

Abstract

Parent viewpoints on sexuality and sex education are important as parents are key stakeholders in their children’s education. However, research in this area has primarily focused on mothers and fathers in heterosexual couplings. There is a lack of information on how LGBTQ+ parents speak about sexual health with their children. This research project explored the experiences of LGBTQ+ parents speaking to their children about sex and sexuality through a mixed methods, online survey. A resource list for parents of inclusive materials for sex education with children was also developed. LGBTQ+ parents focus on openness and normalization when discussing sex and sexuality with their children. LGBTQ+ parents also want their children’s peers educated about LGBTQ+ families and experiences, as well as consent, to help keep their children safer. Finally, parents in this study desired a comprehensive, current, sex education curriculum in schools, and they disapproved of the Ontario government pulling the 2015 sex education curriculum.