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I think it is very important that in any subject, information about any subject is always best provided by somebody who is trained in the subject. It is all very well parents giving 'the birds and the bees' talk to their kids, as they probably have some experience in the matter themselves. But regarding homosexuality, many parents may not know a great deal about the subject, be uncomfortable discussing it or simply be 'anti-gay'. I am not saying children should be told the explicit details about homosexuality but they should be taught by someone who knows what they're talking about, and school teachers can be trained to teach about it in a factual and non-biased fashion.

Far too many young people are let down by misinformation or no information at all. Straight young people's homophobia can be traced back to sheer ignorance and for young gays, too many are going out into the gay community, not knowing how to keep themselves safe and as I have witnessed become the target for predatory older men. Of course some would say that there is a certain lifestyle associated with being gay and a whole different community of people. Young gays, like myself, have to find out for themselves what this is about. However when it comes to sex and more importantly, safe sex, it is very important that they know the right things to do and not to do.This would be better coming from a teacher, who can speak broadly to a classful of people rather than singling out an individual.
Many young gay guys and girls are scared to admit their homosexuality to there parents. Those that do are often sexually active before they tell their parents. And while their parents may indeed be supportive, it is often to late for them to give advice on safety etc.
The only problem with this argument for teaching about homosexuality in schools is that there are of course a number of schools who will refuse to do this, for example faith schools. Some Catholic schools still refuse to discuss the theory of evolution so expecting them to discuss this topic would be highly optimistic.
This emphasizes the need for may Gay Youth services, where young people can get vital information.
HIV is still a huge threat, especially amongst gay men. The last thing we need is to exacerbate this problem by continually churning out year after year of poorly informed school leavers.

Learn more about this author, Richard Taylot.
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