We project our discomfort on them, assuming that discussing sexuality, biological sex, or gender is inappropriate for young students. We adults often think of sexuality and gender as things that are out of reach for students-especially our youngest ones. In these few minutes, it seemed as though my heart was broken and put back together all at once. “Well, I just don’t like when people make fun of you. Sometimes when things are different, they seem a little weird,” I replied. “Because I have a boyfriend,” I finally exhaled. This first grader had questions-and would demand answers. It was clear I wasn’t getting out of this one. “Why?” she asked again, smiling up at me.
“I don’t,” I replied succinctly, hoping to avoid the topic altogether. “Paul, do you have a girlfriend?” Parker asked me.
