As a fellow Gen-Xer, I hear ya. I was also privileged to grow up outside of Boston. A bastion of education and liberalism in it. We got a very basic how our body work eduction in 6th grade, then middle school with more details targeted at puberty, the logistics of intercourse, debunking urban legends, fertilization, std primer, etc. all age appropriate for sure. Also in high school and this was a no-holds barred sex Ed for older age appropriate student. All curriculum resonated to what our bodies and minds were going through. It did not include a lot on LGBTQ “lifestyles” as they were called or gender identification which was not really on the map as far as sex Ed was concerned in the late 70’s early 80’s. But it did not bash, hate or ostracize other “lifestyles” it aimed at inclusion on the 2-3 pages of a 200 pages text book. I am glad for all the reasons you stated that real sex eduction is actually still being taught. Pubescent ignorance is dangerous, a major cause of increased teenage pregnancy, STD’s etc etc etc. great article, I understand your reticence and share it at making every child question there gender identity or if they are queer, straight, etc. i know, kids know when they are different or fell different than the majority of their peers. My Gen Z son received no sex Ed in any private Christian school I had paid really good money to send him to. They were all evangelical Christian schools and were not even schools but indoctrination and ignorance factories. I sadly figured this out when he came into my full custody. It was up to me myself or let him learn it all in the internet (not a good idea). Also parents know almost from the time their child is about 5 or so. I am a straight, whitish, man of 59 who never had any real interactions with the LGBT community. I had my son at 22, but the time he was 7 and me 29. I knew without a shred of doubt my son was gay. I don’t know how I knew. I just did. I am glad I had the realization early. I my allowed me time to think about all the things I did not know and the things I did or was unsure about. I spent the time thinking about a way to broach the subject. Growing up in a homophobic AIDS fueled misinformation of the 80’s I had a lot of eduction to do for myself to impart to my son when the time was right. All I came up with was this. Son (name not included), I know you are not happy (he was suicidal at the time, age 13 years old, and just left his mothers custody to be in mine full time). I know your gay, you may not be willing to talk to me about it today. And thats alright. Also, it’s alright if you are gay or anything else. Your my son, I love you and nothing you can do or are will ever change that. Being gay does not make you evil, going to hell or that god even cares at all (he was fleeing a psychotic evangelical household to a much much much more liberal household where his was still glorified and his love manifested through actions not how many “praise the lords” you say in a day while kicking small animals and children). Anyway, it all worked out. Eduction, a plan to breach the subject, Radical love and acceptance. I recommend their favorite restaurant, park, activity, etc. A funny thing happened on my sons journey to adulthood. He became less withdrawn and depressed. He stood tall and matured into the incredible man he is and his father is so proud of. Loved, in a loving long term relationship. A college grad in a law school a little late in life but doing incredibly well. A small business owner in compliance. A polished professional but most of all a truly open, loving, strong man of incredible human nature. A vocal advocate for his community and a champion of the oppressed, abused, weak and marginalized. Again, I am very proud. Thank you immensely for this article. None of us get all we want on our terms. I believe as you do, the core is excellent, a few divergences from your way of how you would do it is normal and thoughtful. You get my gratitude for bringing up timely issue, gracefully stated and discussed. Thank you for the kids and the parents!