Basically my younger sister(age4) got in a church school and I’m worried she will become bigoted, is there anything I can do?

  • Witch@beehaw.org
    6·
    1 year ago

    I was in church camp and eventually came out queer and supported by my family even though they’re the ones who put me there. I’m pretty sure it was just a decision for cheap daycare. I also remember nothing from Church other than a fear of God caused by the fact that I was a kid and something about an all-knowing being creeped me out.

    Basically: Expect questions. Know that your sister will be confused why the teachers and you may have differing opinions. Explain brains are different for everyone, so opinions are different for everyone. Try to emphasize that she is allowed to form her own opinions too and no one, not even you, can take that away from her. But let her ask questions. Let her ask many questions, because if she’s asking questions, that means she’s questioning things that are being taught to her. And as her big sibling, you may be a stronger source of inspiration than the teachers are at this age.

      • honeyontoast@beehaw.org
        3·
        1 year ago

        You don’t need to be out to explain why it’s okay to be LGBTQ+. If those questions ever come, answer them as if you were an ally. The answer is the same anyway.

        But right now don’t stress - not every religious organisation will be homophobic, I went to a Catholic secondary school (UK) that was supportive. Unless you’re familiar with this particular group already they might not be as bad as you think.

        As for what you can do personally, if you’re atheist (and open about that) then show her you don’t have to be Christian to have good morals. Just generally be a good older sibling. Hopefully it all works out.

        • Bicyclejohn@lemmy.mlOP
          2·
          1 year ago

          Its just, we are verytraditional here when it comes to religion. Is there anything I can expose her to? I just want to show her all sides

          • honeyontoast@beehaw.org
            2·
            1 year ago

            It’s going to depend highly on what actually happens. She’s 4, she’s a bit young still. Given you’re posting online I think it would be relatively safe to assume that when she’s older she’ll also be online? Being a part of an international community is the easiest way of expanding one’s views.