How do I talk to my children about gay relationships?

[deitchgirl]

We have lived next door to a gay, male couple for 12 years and my children, ages 10,7,5 and 3 and I like them very much. They have taken a real interest in them and we consider them friends. Recently the two older children asked me if they were brothers and when I responded that they weren’t they pressed me about “what they were” then. I was able to redirect them but I knew this day would come and my neighbors and I have actually discussed it a few times as they are afraid the kids will feel differently about them if they knew the nature of their relationship. I want to find the words to explain it to them while following our Catholic beliefs. One of the men has fallen away from the Catholic Faith and I know he struggles with it and his life choices somewhat. Please post kind and helpful suggestions as they are dear friends of mine.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

You can tell them that they are friends and let it go at that. If the older one’s ask why they aren’t married (to women) and have a family, you can say that some people don’t marry. There is no reason to go into an involved explanation. Just answer that they ask.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.