How Do I Explain It?

First of all I think it is awesome that you support him. I have a 2 year old who has a gay grandfather who is married to a man. It is Grandpa and Shane to her and she is young enough that she doesnt really question it but when she does I will just explain it in as simple of terms that I can that is age appropriate. I think telling her that he will marry a boy instead of a girl is definitely as much as she would need to know at her age. I dont have any books to recommend, but I would love to find one too! Maybe you should write a childrens book about it! :)

I think a small get together/ dinner/ cook out at someones house would be cool. Maybe have a rainbow cake?

Anyway I hope you dont get any negative responses. I think its great to see other open minded accepting people in this world!

J., I can really help you on this but I do want to say that it is so cool that you want to explain to your daughter about her cousin. Way to many people are against it and I think its great you are trying to teacher that its not! My cousin came out and most of my family turned there back on her. I am one of the few who are supportive and constatly having to tell my kids there is nothing wrong with it, I am divorced and the father feels other wise. But again I commend you on wanting to have a party of some sort and helping your daughter understand!!

It's so nice to see so much acceptance of this issue here! I think just telling your cousin in person how proud you are of him for having the courage to speak up and how much you support him. Maybe a small dinner with just your family and him and his partner if he has one. I wouldn't do a celebration as your cousin is the same as anyone else. For example a straight person wouldn't be thrown a celebration for announcing he/she is straight, kwim? lol I believe treating gays as we'd treat anyone else is the best example for our children.

I wish there were more people like you. Society is so full of ignorant people against gays. I have a special needs child (CP, seizure disorder) and have the same issue. Society expect everyone to be normal. So, I commend you for wanting to explain to your daughter about your cousins being gay. I have a 4 yr old daughter and I'm trying to teach her why our son is "different" and to love him just like everyone else. She is a very smart girl and does love her brother and does not treat him any differently. She loves to help me with his care. She will grow up being a compassionate person.

First of all.............good for you!!! I wish more people were like you. Being prejudice against anyone who is gay or lesbian is a sign of unintelligence if you ask me. Anyways, I would take him to a gay bar. How fun would that be for him, especially if you were there with him, and gay bars are so much fun for women. I used to love going with my friends.
As for explaining it to your daughter just tell her the blunt truth. That some men like women, and others like men, and either way it's OK. Each person should follow their heart wherever that might take them. Everyone should be accepted for who they are, especially when it comes to things they can't control.
You're a good cousin, and he is lucky to have you!

Like the other Moms said, just tell her that some boys like other boys, some boys like girls, and vice versa. As far as a celebration, I'd ask your cousin. I think it's great that you want to do something, but he may not be quite ready for a big "Hey World, I'm GAY!" party. The best thing you can do to show your support is to be there for him. He's going to encounter people that are terribly narrow minded and predjudice. Be there for him when that happens.

I don't think you need to explain it to her. If she asks questions about it then answer her honestly. In today's society where this is a prominent issue she will have some questions. Just be truthful with her.
As for celebrating this with him I would make it a small intimate celebration by maybe taking him and his current partner out for dinner etc. and maybe a club for the evening. If that isn't what you had in mind maybe a gathering at your home, cook-out whatever with his partner and those people in the family or close friends who will all be comfortable with the situation.

Hello,

I have a brother that is gay and I haven't really explained it to my children yet, but my 4 year is like your daughter and somehow knows everything. I think it is very exceptable just to explain to her one day he will marry a boy instead of a girl, she will probably just leave it at that, hopefully. As far as celebrating it I would maybe just invite him to dinner and tell him how you feel that you want to support him and you love him, because there are times when my brother gets down, because it's not an easy thing to have a different sexual orientation, and there are alot of mean people who do not except, so I would let him know if he would ever like talk your there. I love your attitude on the subject I just think it's wonderful. Have a great day

S.

I would take him out for a nice Lunch or dinner and tell him how proud you are of him for telling the truth and not hiding behind half truths like so many other's do.
I don't think your 4 year old would understand any of it if you tried to explain it.Just tell her yu are proud of him and want to celebrate with him.Too much information at that age can be a dangerous tool.
I have many friends that are gay, bi sexual and they are no different than any one else except they are drawn to the same sex.My first husband was bi sexual, but he waited until we were married 3 years before I found out.He was the best husband any woman could have wanted.Sadly we divorced because he found a man that he wanted to Love more than me.We are still the best of friends.
Debbie

J.,

Your daughter already knows that there are all kinds of different people. Colors, sizes ... I would just make it matter of fact; some girls like boys, some boys like girls. Some boys like boys, some girls like girls. All types of people. Gay and lesbian folks aren't weird or freaky. Just people. I think the more seriously and gravely you put it, the more she'll be weirded out.

It's just all about love. You can love all kinds of types of people.

I think just some flowers or a thoughtful card would be fine. Unless you are looking to publicly show your support for his news to your friends and family, then I'd throw a blow out party!

Take care,
J.

my step daughter's mother is now a lesbian. It was easier just to tell her bluntly as everyone else has said.Just keep it simple and to the point.