A new series of Web videos explains concepts like “gay” and “gender” to young children in a fun and informative way.
The first video in the Queer Kid Stuff series, “What Does Gay Mean?” came out (!) in May. In the video, creator Lindsey Amer, who has a background directing theater for young audiences, interacts with a talking teddy bear to answer the titular question for children three to seven years old. I loved their upbeat but not saccharine tone, and applauded the overall goal of the series, but hesitated to write about it, as I felt some of its explanations were unclear.
Amer explains, “‘Gay’ means when one person of one gender loves someone of the same gender.” They then say, “Like if a boy loves a boy, they’re a gay couple. And if a girl loves a girl, then they’re a gay couple too. And even if a teddy loves a teddy, they’re gonna be a gay couple.”
Wait right there. Every child I’ve ever known who’s had a teddy bear uses pronouns for them. There are he bears and she bears (and probably “they” bears, too)—meaning that a teddy loving a teddy doesn’t necessarily make them a gay couple. That could be confusing.
Not only that, but for a child first learning about the topic, it’s important to clarify that we’re talking about romantic love here. Two brothers who love each other aren’t a gay couple, for example—but could be under the above definition.
I did like the way they introduced the topic by noting that “gay … has to do with love,” but later they were more specific, saying, “That’s what ‘gay’ means: ‘gay’ means ‘love.'” That seems misleading for the target audience, even if true in a poetic sense. It’s about love, but it doesn’t mean love (although it might be great to have a bunch of young kids running around telling their relatives and friends, “I gay you”).
Still, I liked their discussion at the end of the video about different types of families, and looked forward to seeing how the series developed. If I was being critical, it wasn’t because I didn’t like the idea of the series. Just the opposite in fact. It’s so important that kids understand these concepts that I want to make sure they’re explained in a clear, accurate way.
The second video just dropped, and it seems better thought out, answering the question “What Is Gender?” in a simple but never patronizing way. Future episodes in the 10-part series will include “non-binary genders and trans* identities, marriage equality, feminism, and queer themes in children’s pop culture.” (I also hope Amer explains what “queer” means, too, since it’s in the series title and has multiple meanings.)
Watch “What Is Gender?” below and then go watch “What Does Gay Mean?” because there’s still plenty of good stuff in it. (And if you’re reading this blog you’re probably able to explain to your kid(s) any misunderstandings that might arise because of the issues I raised above.) I can’t wait for the next ones! There will be new episodes every Wednesday and activity sheets at the Queer Kid Stuff website.