Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual (GLB) Children: Implications for Early Childhood Development Professionals

Abstract

This paper focuses on the issues of gay, lesbian, and bisexual children from the perspective of early child development professionals. Early child development professionals' response to children's sexual curiosity conveys to them important messages — either positive or negative — about themselves as sexual beings. Positive responses lay the foundation for sexual health by helping children feel good about being male or female, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and good about adults in their lives who help them understand their confusion. Background information about homosexuality and bisexu‐ality in American society, needs of gay, lesbian and bisexual children, and strategies and challenges in personnel, curriculum, policies, and parental involvement will be included.

Key Word:

• Gay
• lesbian
• bisexual
• children