News-Record.com

I read quickly so perhaps I missed it, but did the article indicate what the corresponding ages of first sexual activity are for STRAIGHT girls and boys? Absent that info, it's hard to know whether such early sexual activity is a problem mainly among gay kids or a problem among kids in general. And knowing that would matter if you want to find effective ways to get kids not to have sex so early.

Regarding the age of first sexual encounter for gays, I think that's no surprise at all. When I was 14, I was first approached by a gay neighbor. A year later, I was approached by a gay classmate. I was never approached by a straight girl, which was deeply disappointing, but that's life, I suppose.

I guess my surprise is more in kids apparently identifying themselves so soon and apparently finding others who have that same confidence in approaching someone else.. I know the climate for them has been tough. I know the overall number I've seen for kids (which doesn't distinguish between gay or straight) is much lower.

So far as social acceptance for gays is concerned, I think it's a good thing overall. It's long past time that we stopped making sexuality a determining factor in socialization. Fred Phelps and his sort notwithstanding, of course.

Nancy

What number was lower for kids overall? The age number for having first sexual contact? Or the percentage of kids reporting any sort of early contact? Fourteen sounds about the right overall age, as I have heard.

By the way, out of curiosity, why is this particular TIME mag story one you thought is up "Front Pew"'s alley? Are you sliding faith and sexuality besie one another for so-called "moral" reasons? Some would argue this is mainly a public health issue.

I am surprised at the other numbers you found on the clubs in the high schools. When I was young, I would never have imagined any of the gay (or experimenting) kids being brave enough to be out and socially congregating. I wish these kids well; I hope the bigots don't crush 'em.

My search wasn't very thorough, but I did find numbers suggesting that the average age of first sexual contact for girls, for example, is as low as 13.

I bring it up for several reasons, including the fact that it's a morality issue for some Christians -- ie those who think you can't be born that way and that the Bible forbids homosexuality -- and because Christianity and sexuality have gone hand in hand this last year; same sex marriage being the first thing that comes to mind.

It was just this summer that I posted about parents sending their kids to a camp to be de-programmed or whatever they call it.

I think if you are someone who doesn't agree with homosexuality (and conservative Christians have been more vocal), it's likely frightening the number of children who are identifying themselves as gay.

Fair enough. Though "agreeing" with sexual orientation seems plain odd, if science continues to come out showing it is genetic.

But, to be open to the Christians and others who through fiath are not able to accept what many seem to bear out (such that everyone is in flux along a continuum of sexual attraction, if not actaul behavior), I can see why these reports would be upsetting. "Frightening" seems a stronger word than necessary, though, as I don't perceive the implied "threat": unless it's that old saw that homosexuals will persuade people to come over to their "side".

But don't you think it's encouraging this many kids are feeling able to be supported by one another; the usual fate of gay kids when I was growing up was, indeed, frightening: being beaten, taunted, ridiculed.

Of course, some of that is due to every kid in high school, except the jocks and little princesses.