During a recent car ride, a friend of mine, who has tweens, shared a moment that many parents can relate to: “I was driving the kids to school, focused on merging, when one of them suddenly asked, ‘Who’s Bruce Jenner?’ I panicked and just said, ‘an Olympic athlete’ to change the topic!” Talk about a parenting dodge!
I get it. Talking to kids about complex topics can be nerve-wracking. But as someone who has co-authored a children’s book, I Am Jamie, which introduces the idea of being transgender, I believe it’s crucial to engage in these conversations. I don’t have personal ties to the LGBT community, but I care deeply about raising empathetic children. With the growing visibility of transgender individuals and the progress of marriage equality, our kids will encounter diverse identities more frequently. Ignoring this reality does a disservice to them—and it makes life harder for the LGBT students in their schools.
How to Approach the Topic
So, how would I tackle the question about Bruce Jenner? I’d say, “Bruce Jenner was an incredibly famous Olympic gold medalist. But now, at 65, he’s making headlines for a different reason. He’s sharing his truth with the world: He feels like a girl inside, even though his body looks like a boy’s. Isn’t that fascinating?”
I’d explain, “When Bruce was younger, he didn’t realize that others felt the same way he did, and he struggled with feelings of confusion and shame about wanting a different body. But now we have a word for it: transgender. Doctors understand that being transgender is just part of who some people are—like if their brain and body didn’t get the same message while they were developing in the womb. The good news is that there are treatments and surgeries available to help them align their bodies with how they feel inside. But sometimes, just changing their name and expressing themselves through clothes and hairstyles is enough.”
I’d continue, “You may not meet someone who’s transgender very often, but if you do, treat them with kindness. Understand that their journey might not have been easy. Show them respect by not asking intrusive questions that you wouldn’t want someone to ask you. Always accept people for who they are inside, not just how they appear on the outside—just as we do with everyone.”
And there you have it—simple and straightforward, without the need for any awkwardness. One thing I definitely wouldn’t mention? Anything about sex or sexual orientation. That would just muddle the conversation, as gender identity is separate from those topics. Ultimately, if we avoid these discussions, our kids might hear about Bruce Jenner from less informed peers, which isn’t helpful at all. Instead, let’s honor our kids’ curiosity by giving them clear and honest answers, just like Bruce Jenner has bravely done.
Additional Resources
For more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out our blog, where we dive deeper into these topics. Plus, for those interested in at-home options, Make a Mom offers an excellent guide to artificial insemination kits. And if you’re looking for comprehensive information on intrauterine insemination, Cleveland Clinic is a fantastic resource.
In summary, engaging kids in conversations about people like Bruce Jenner helps them develop compassion and understanding. Keeping the dialogue open and age-appropriate encourages them to see beyond appearances and embrace diversity.