by noodles on Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:47 am
I believe that gender identity and sexuality are truly things within individual people. Its not something thats chosen but something that is. If you 'make' a young boy wear dresses and makeup (for play or otherwise) and it goes against their natural bieng you are going to fu** up your child.
Similarly if a young boy is in touch with what we percieve as feminine and negative traits and wants to dress up in his mums clothes and you make him feel bad for doing it or tell him he cant you equally fu** him up.
I feel that if you allow a child to work out who they are for themselves you are much more likely to find a well balanced adult in later life.
A young boy who is told only girls cry, more than likely 'will' have problems with expression. A young boy who is stopped playing with mums clothes at an early age more than likely 'will' then only play with approved toys, he will do this for acceptance not because its what he naturally wants to do. (or maybe he likes tonka toys AND mums clothes). Gay kids brought up in unaccepting households are much more likely to struggle and feel mentally distressed. If what you are forced to accept and believe as a child isnt who you naturally are its potentially damaging.
Im not suggesting all kids are forced to play percieved boys/girls clothes and toys, Im merely suggesting that given the choice they will find thier own way of bieng thats most comfortable for them.
David Beckam is a straight man, he's also successful sportsman and family man. He wear nail varnish and earings - he loves fashion - do you believe he's messed up about his gender? Or is he just comfortable with himself and likes to experiment with clothes and accessories?
