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I am not gay, but I have family and friends who are. When one of my nieces asked about a local performer who is adored by her and her twin sister, I decided not to hide it from them. She asked if Brian had a wife? No. A girlfriend? No. Why not? So I just old her (there, in the middle of Wal Mart) that Brian loves other men. At first she didn't believe me asking if I was serious. So I just said that some men love other men and some women love other women and some men love women and some women love men. She was 3 at the time and I wanted it to be simple. And accepted. So that if they ever need the acceptance and assurance, or if they need to accept and assure they can. Hopefully with a tangible example to them, they won't fall victim to prejudices held by others.

I'm not gay, but my cousin is - and I was always told growing up that the person my cousin brought to extended family get-togethers was just a 'good friend.' Of course, I eventually found out the truth, but at an age where I was old enough to understand it (teen). I was hardly scarred for life by being kept in the dark a few years. I think it's important to respect the parent's wishes. The children will find out in due time.

I'm 14. I have a nephew on the way, due in August. I haven't talked to his mom about what age would be okay to tell him because I want my nephew to know me as who I really am. My sister-in-law is very accepting and has another gay sister too. I just don't know yet if she wants me telling her son at a young age. I think people should tell their young children about how sometimes women love other women and some men love other men, so that they are more accepting to others and know that they will be accepted in the family if they figure out they're gay later in life. I do believe it's VERY important to teach kids that people are just different, and that's how the world is, instead of hearing about gays or lesbians the first time at school by their peers and hearing so many negative things about them, that make them believe it's wrong to be gay.

When I was 14 I was informed that I had another second cousin. I hadnt heard of him and neither had my parents. When my great aunt talked about him she said He is that way. I assumed the worse, I thought he was a drug addict or in prison or something else horrible. The following year I went to a funeral for my other second cousin and he approached me. I was shocked to find out that to my extended family gay was considered bad or That way ever since I have maintained a friendly relationship with him. My parents are completely ok with it being that one of my best friends is gay. I do not get the taboo that is attached to it. I feel that the more a child is taught to accept the more well rounded they will be.