In need of sex education

There have always been three but intersex (previously called hermaphroditism) was not taught which must have made it difficult for those that had to deal with it. It has always been recognised medically as a sex but unfortunately even now people confuse it with transgenderism.
Beyond that I think that you only need to research it so far as it is of interest to you. If you meet anyone who says that they are something that you haven't come across, then either nod politely or look it up if you want to know.
I am not really interested in people's sex lives. I would stand up for someone who was being abused or insulted as a result of whatever they are but so far as the protests are concerned, it is really about whether people with extreme religious beliefs should be able to put those beliefs above the rights of others. People do often talk about how lonely and confused they felt as teenagers and how much earlier education would have helped them. The protesters are people who think that homosexuality is a choice and that people should choose against it.

Most of us, like absent are indifferent to people's sexual habits as long as they do not involve co-ercion or under age people. But, this ghastly business outside Birmingham schools is a case in point. Some muslim parents ( and a lot of professional rent a mob) are demanding that their children be withdrawn from classes which are teaching said children that we are and can all be different and that it is ok to be different. If it wasn't so sad it would be ironic.

I am totally fed up with people wearing their sexuality like a badge. Whoever you love is completely personal and provided nobody else is hurt or injured it shouldn’t matter. There are far worse troubles in this troubled world of ours.

I am totally fed up with people wearing their sexuality like a badge. Whoever we love is completely personal and as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody else, it doesn’t bother me. There are far worse problems in this troubled world of ours.

Hear hear BlueBelle completely agree.

crazyH - I should start with LGBT and then graduate to LGBTQIA.

Live and let live is my view; but I do not think anyone should feel obliged to learn exactly what all this means unless they have an interest in the subject and wish to do so.

I hope that I treat anyone who comes within my orbit with good manners without having to know their gender orientation or the details of their sexual activities. .

Why do any of us, especially at our age, want to question the sexuality of others. I don't even know what LGBT stands for. I could look it up I'm sure, but I'm not interested. We have all been created in God's likeness . And since I don't question whether God is male or female, I do not question anyone else's sexuality, unless I was going to be intimately involved with them. To each his own ......

Thank you to the biologist for the observation that this range of variation happens in all species - you have furthered my education.
Further to my original post I merely seek to understand sufficient to be able to relate to my fellow human beings without offending anyone. I really don’t, as yet, know the correct jargon for this topic but I think a chat with my younger son and teenage granddaughters might continue to further my education. Have always wished to keep up to date with current affairs but have failed dmiserably with this one.
PS. I don’t think I have my head up my backside, merely interested in the continually evolving world around me ?

We are grandparents, and often have more time with the children to talk things over, hopefully in a non-judgemental way. As a retired secondary teacher, in my opinion the worst thing a child can feel is being isolated; in an adolescent that often relates to feelings of burgeoning sexuality.

Is there a tin hat icon?

What's with all these initials, anyway? Why can't people just be people any more? It seems the smaller the minority the longer the set of initials becomes.

I agree, Margaux, and I'd go further and suggest that there are so very many more important things about people than their sexuality.

To each their own. As I get older, I increasingly feel that I can made a clear distinction between what I need to know, and what I don't need to know. I am quite happy for other people's sexuality to be their own business. I hope that doesn't sound blinkered.

Another one agreeing with Bluebell!
I'm puzzled that people who object to the categories of male and female are so keen to establish new categories, and new initials.
I'd like to think of everyone as an individual, wherever they want to be on the spectrum of sexuality, dressing, behaviour.
I cannot see that these disparate groups are a 'community'

I wouldn't try to understand all the different terms for different sexual orientations. It will make your head spin.

Leave the research for when, and if, you need to know about it.

I don't believe it's quite so widespread as people make out. Most people are simply man/woman loves man/woman. They get together and have kids.

That will no doubt be met on here with howls of protest.

I think it's very sad that some feel the need for discussion. People are people. Whoever they love or whatever they have for their tea is no-one else's business. If children are taught that from day one, they'll just accept it. It's adults that need to get their heads out from up their backsides. We're all different, get over it.

I don't see a need to keep demonstrating sexuality, whatever form it takes, when as far as I am concerned one's sex life is a private matter, or a private matter between two adults. Recently there has been adverse publicity because someone inadvertently addressed an individual in the 'wrong' way , having been unaware of their sexual stance. This is just too much - I am all for 'live and let live' but as usual the pendulum seems to have swung too far and, as with many other current social difficulties, it seems that you have to pick words extremely carefully in order not to offend those who decide to be insulted by practically any comment. People should be free to live as they wish - but I am no more interested in their gender than they would be in mine.

Sex is determined by DNA. Gender is determined by cultural influences.

self sufficient

My parents were concerned that I would be physically as self A little of the Pinkie girlie stuff may not be too harmful as long as the girl is also taught to be mentally and physically bold as boys are traditionally taught.

What has to be abhorred is premature sexualisation such as bikinis, bras, or make up for little girls.

Live and let live as long as no-one inflicts or suffers harm. I am at time a bit confused having known males who were heterosexual, (one married and had family), who then declared themself to be gay then after a few years were back to being heterosexual. Not encountered the same with women, only heterosexual then gay. Anyone explain why?

The only thing that is really worth remembering is that all the LGBTQIA community is made up of human beings, with all the talents & foibles of the rest of us.

There are so many interesting (as a biologist) variations though - enjoy your research but don't get upset. All these variations are known in other species too!

It is the demand with threat or menace that turns me off all the various genders. I dont understand. I know boys and girls are meant to look like. I dont know what a former male now female or former female now male would look like.
My first experience of a gay man was loaded with difficulty. The family did not admit the fact that was very obvious so others were forced to go along with the lies. They were also very obnoxious people in general so that did not help.
I was born to believe that there were males and females and this continued through my formative years. It is now demanded that I change me life learning.
I agree with a PP though that as long as children and adults are not forced into unwished situations what people do in private is not my business. The operative word being PRIVATE.

I think you have to consider the social construct as well - I have a young DD and shops constantly bombard with pink stuff, dolls, make up for girls, skimpy clothes and uncomfortable shoes. Boys things are blue, involve war, fighting, monsters, dinosaurs, science and aeroplanes. Many parents still try to pigeonhole their kids. But there have always, for example, been tomboys, who don’t fit the mould. And of course there has always been a huge variation in how people see themselves and who they are attracted to. Society is now allowing this to be more accepted, as it should.

I totally agree with this BradfordLass72.