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I would assume there are studies showing involved and active parents (most parents who want the best for their kids), in their kids lives helping them through all kinds of tough life situations is also a major factor of reducing suicide risk. I also assume that this is the major concern of most of the parents that object it being absolutely illegal to inform them.
I don’t think you can say definitively that there are not valid arguments on both sides of the issue.
Let me add though that it is a bit of fresh air to have this type of dialogue on a hockey forum. The political space just doesn’t allow it anymore.
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Yes there are lots of studies showing kids with good parental relationships have much better outcomes in all aspects of life. But there are also studies showing the damage that can happen when parents do not accept their kid's lifestyle. Why in the world would you take that choice away from a kid? Or at very least a kid and a professional psychologist/counselor? Why would you just assume every outcome is going to be positive when you know nothing about the situation with the parents? That's just cruel. Teachers are not psychologists. They're not qualified to do that work.
I still don't understand why a conversation about a student's well being needs to include facts about their sexuality. Like why can't the conversation be "I think your kid is struggling and would benefit from professional help. Here's a number...." How does adding "And also your kid is gay and hangs around with other gay kids" add anything of value?
Kids really do get kicked out for being gay. I know one. It blows the mind but some parents are just terrible people. Allowing teachers to tell parents would effectively remove the existence of GSA's from, for sure the 28 religious schools who currently don't allow them, but likely from several more. It would affirm what so many kids already feel, that they're not free to be who they want.
It breaks my heart when my friend's kid tells me all the BS she and her girlfriend have already experienced at the age of 16. It's super easy to write about how Canada is the most accepting place on earth for LGBTQ people. But that's a straight person's reality. There is still a great deal of acceptance lacking in our world. I will not one single time in my life feel threatened for holding my girlfriend's hand. These 16 year olds have already written three police reports detailing hate crimes against them. We're good for sure. We're actually great. But it's not all good.