A lecturer at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Dr. Barnabas Addai Amanfo has told parents not to shy away from LGBTQI+ conversations when it comes up among their children.
Using his own experience when his 8-year-old daughter approached him and asked him what LGBTQI means, Dr. Amanfo said that society is being exposed to all manner of things and that a failure to latch on family time opportunities to educate children can prove to be dangerous.
“Parenting is not easy. Parents must not shy away from the influences and pressures of today. I can tell you of my experience while preparing to come to your studios, my 8-year-old daughter walked up to me and asked what LGBTQI is because she has heard it in the news, I used the opportunity to explain to her at her level”
“Don’t bombard them with everything, just give them what they can handle, no information overload. If you fail to teach them the right things some people will, and as a parent that should not happen. Parents shouldn’t shy away from these LGBTQI talks with their children, it’s an opportunity for you to educate them the right way” he advised
LGBTQI has become a thorny subject in society with some citizens saying it is taboo and not part of our culture.
Currently, Ghana’s parliament is looking at passing a law that bans the community from having the freedom to operate.