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for parents

  • why inclusive sex ed matters

  • debunking myths

  • how to talk to your queer & trans kids about sex

  • sexual health resources for parents of queer and trans youth

why does inclusive
sex ed matter?

Why do we have to talk about sex with young people? And how do we know when it’s time to start talking about it?

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There are major gaps in traditional sex ed & healthcare access, especially for LGBTQ+ kids, and the amount of anti-sex ed legislation is on the rise.​ Queer and trans youth are more likely than cisgender & heterosexual teens to engage in sexually risky behaviors, contract an STI, engage in sex work, or experience intimate partner violence. â€‹â€‹LGBTQ+ students are 50% more likely than their non-LGBTQ+ peers to report that their sex education in school was not useful (Greytak et. al, 2016).

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"Hundreds of studies have shown that well-designed and well implemented sex education programs can reduce sexual risk and support positive sexual health outcomes among teens, including:" (Planned Parenthood 2021)

• Delaying the age of first sexual intercourse

• Reducing the overall number of sexual partners

• Reducing condomless sex and increasing use of contraception

• Reducing unintended teen pregnancy

• Reducing rates of teen HIV and other STIs

why do you have to do it?

55% of Americans report that they never had “the talk” with their parents, and 56% reported that they only received sex education in one school year (SIECUS, 2025).
Due to inadequate sex ed, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to seek out information about sex online, which is often inaccurate or developmentally inappropriate (GLSEN, 2013).

how to start talking

  • Be open & nonjudgmental! Young folks are more likely to keep coming to you if they feel safe and supported.

  • Acknowledge gaps in traditional sex ed. Let them know it’s okay if what they’ve learned in school doesn’t reflect their experiences.

  • Emphasize consent, pleasure, & emotional well-being. LGBTQ+ youth deserve affirming, accurate, and shame-free information.

  • Meet them where they are. Some kids may be eager to talk, while others need time. Make it clear that this is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time talk.

  • Stay calm! If they share something surprising, take a breath and respond thoughtfully.

  • Respect their privacy. Let them share at their own pace; don’t push for details they aren’t ready to discuss.

  • Use media as a starting point. If direct conversations feel tough, use books, TV, movies, or news stories as a starting place.

conversation starters

  • "What kinds of things have you learned about sex and relationships so far? is there anything that doesn’t make sense to you?"

  • "A lot of the sex ed out there doesn’t really include LGBTQ+ people, and I want to make sure you have all the info you need. Is there anything you’ve been wondering about?"

  • "Sex ed usually assumes everyone’s body works the same way, but that’s not true. Would it be helpful if we talked about how gender-affirming care (like hormones or surgery) can affect sexual health?"

  • "I’ve been learning about LGBTQ+ sexual health, and I found some great resources. Would you be interested in checking them out?"

  • "I want to make sure you have the information you need to have safe, positive, and respectful experiences when the time comes."

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© 2025 by AJ Freno, LSW

info@allaboutsexed.org

Information on this site is provided for educational purposes only. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained on this site is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or prescribe any medications. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition. 

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