As parents, grandparents, teachers and others disciple children in the values and standards of God, a useful and 
inspirational tool is the new publication, What's Really True about Rainbows and Pride: A Workbook for Kids by Linda Harvey. Go HERE to order.
The following is a guide for you to use to accompany that workbook. Each page in the book covers a different talking point about this subject, and then presents the child a question to answer in the space provided.
Be sure to read each page in your child’s workbook. We will repeat the closing questions below (but not the full preceding page) with suggested answers/discussion.(Bible quotations from the New King James Version)
Rainbows, page 9-- "Question: When you see a rainbow in the sky, what do you think of?" This is an opportunity to steer children toward appreciating the beauty and majesty of God's creation as well as His provision for us and His protection of us. It's a good place to reinforce the teaching of Genesis 9:1-17.
A Different Rainbow, page 11--"Question: Why do you think that God told us in His Word not to do certain behaviors?" We are gently introducing the idea of personal sexual morality, and this may provoke questions about the behaviors alluded to. Use your discretion, with age appropriate information to be given at this point. Suggested verse for more study is 1 Corinthians 6:19--"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?"
Remember that more specific verses about homosexual and transgender behavior will be the focus of later questions.
You may also want to touch on the activist and political agenda that has produced the alternate rainbow. We will explore this more in a later question.
A Man and A Woman, page 13-- "Question: Why did God make a man and a woman to love each other?" Introduce the creation account of Genesis 2: 18-25, why God created two kinds of humans in the beginning, to complement each other and to make a family.
What Seems Right, page 15-- "Question: Does it seem right for two women or two men to be together like this?" This might be a good time to introduce general sexual immorality as a topic, with this verse: "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." 1 Corinthians 6:18.
Confused Judges, page 17--"Question: Judges are supposed to support what is right and condemn what is wrong. If judges do the opposite, what do you think will happen to a country like that?"
This is the opportunity to have a discussion with your children about same sex “marriage” and its imposition on the public for the first time in history in very recent years. Perhaps share with them that humans have lived for thousands of years but only just recently did anyone even think about legalizing two men to be a married couple, or two women. And perhaps share that this is an indication that faithfulness to God’s standards of sexuality are in sharp and sudden decline.
You may want to share with children the sad fact that not everything that those in authority do ( politicians, judges, etc.) has been or will be pleasing to God. Some things have been; others not. We must use our knowledge about God’s Word to decide what’s right.
Many Problems, page 18— “Question: Do you think that God would want for people to do things that are unhealthy for them? Name a few unhealthy things that people do (example: smoking cigarettes).”
Here we touch on a subject that you may or may not want to explain fully to your children at this age. It’s the reality of the unnatural and often high-risk sexual behaviors that accompany homosexual encounters. How much you say may depend on how detailed the child’s instruction has been to this point about sexual intimacy.
One way to explain this topic might be to say something like this: “When God made two humans, a man and a woman, he made their private parts to fit together so they could be very close, and some of the time, create a new human—a baby! But two men do not fit together. Neither do two women. So when they have the sinful feelings that make them want to be close, they make up different ways to do that, and some of these behaviors are not safe for our bodies. And then, the history of homosexuality shows that these pairs of people often form, and then break up, and go on to other relationships, which is also risky for a person's body. God intended for couples to be man/woman and remain together -- real marriage-- and be faithful."
God’s Plan, page 19—“Question: Because God made men and women to love each other and become husbands and wives, how do you think it makes God feel when something he has created is used in the wrong way?”
This discussion should go into more detail about how male/female marriage reflects God’s original creation of a man’s body and a woman’s body (Genesis 2:18-25). Be sure to read this passage and discuss it, as well as the fact that each of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139) and it is a wonderful and marvelous thing. So marriage is simply God’s plan that, when people grow up, they become man/woman couples and make their own homes and families.
But when people decide to twist God’s creation around, He is very sad but He also has a right to be a little mad. “What in the world are you doing?” God may think about homosexuals. “I did NOT create you to do this.” God is merciful, but He does not like sin.
What Does God Say? page 21—"Question: Write a paragraph about some of these verses. What do you think they mean?”
Make sure you read the passages on homosexuality with your child. They are hard-nosed! These are some eye-opening verses, particularly what is taught about Sodom and Gomorrah. But that’s how seriously God takes this behavior, and we must humbly recognize that God knows best.
If you feel it's appropriate, discuss with your child the severe measures God took to eliminate homosexual behavior from this ancient town, and note that God is being very patient and merciful to proud sinners today. Should we take advantage of God's patience in any sin that we might do? Should those engaging in homosexuality or gender confusion remember Sodom and Gomorrah, and realize that God is probably quite upset today, just as He was then?
“Pride” page 22— “Question: Have you ever seen someone make a big pretense of something that's not true? And wanting you to go along with it? That's what this kind of pride is. Write some of your thoughts about it.”
This lesson is an excellent opportunity to teach about the sin of pride which is so well-exhibited among the public advocates of “LGBTQ” behavior. Cover the following verses with your child:
Proverbs 13:10—“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.”
Proverbs 16:5—"Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.”
Proverbs 16:18-19—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
Ezekiel 16:49—Pride was one of the hallmark sins of Sodom and Gomorrah
Mark 7:22—Jesus lists pride as one of the very evil sins that come out of the heart of men.
1 John 2:16—“For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- is not of the Father but is of the world.”
Tolerance, page 23— “Question: If somebody has pride for doing something wrong, do you think we need to tell that person it's OK to do that? What would you say if somebody asked you to be ‘tolerant’ and accepting of a wrong and harmful thing?”
This is a good time to have a thorough discussion about being courageous in today’s world and what that looks like. Perhaps your child can think of a time where he or she had to say no to a friend’s bad idea, or to refuse to go along with bullying another student. Ask him or her what they would do if asked to approve of “LGBTQ” ideas or behavior.
Another discussion point is this—free speech and viewpoint “diversity.” If a school brings up a topic that is controversial, there should at the very least be equal time given to an opposing viewpoint—like the objections Christians and conservatives ( and people of other faiths) have to “LGBTQ” behaviors being taught to children. In an ideal world, this sexual immorality would not be covered favorably at all in public schools. But if it is, suggest that it’s only fair for students to be able to say no.
Where possible, we should “speak the truth in love.” Ephesians 4:15 suggests that the mature Christian makes this a practice.
Are People Born With “LGBTQ” Feelings?—page 25. “Question: Do you think God made people to be homosexual or transgender? Why would God do something like that when He said for a man and woman to marry and have children?”
Without citing multiple studies and resources here, let’s just go with one big one—a study through Harvard and MIT. The bottom line is consistent with the Word of God, that no one is born to inevitably become homosexual. A big indicator today that “gay” activists really know this, is expressed by the fluid sexual proclivities named in the coalition moniker, “LGBTQ.”
So in a discussion with your child, simply explain that there was a time thirty years ago when a few very limited studies claimed some kind of connection to a gene for being “gay” or “lesbian.” Those studies have not be able to be confirmed (replicated) and more recent larger studies show that, guess what—it’s much more of a choice. Just as God’s Word indicates.
The “bisexual” and “queer” labels reflect a lot of fluidity, which actually exists with most self-labeled “gays” or “lesbians” in practice. And “transgender” is self-evidently a case of mistaken ideas.
What makes a person develop these feelings? Many indicators point to child molestation, family trauma, early porn use, and other major childhood stressors as being factors for homosexual feelings or gender confusion. Peer influence (negative) also cannot be ruled out. How much you want to get into this is up to you and the maturity of the child.
One thing you want your child to take away is that no one he or she knows was born homosexual and certainly not in the “wrong sex body.” And that includes your child! And if they have friends who claim this is true, it might be a good time for your child to share the “truth in love.” God never intended for people to use their bodies in these ways and He will always show the truly sincere person a way out.
Changing Their Minds, page 27 – “Question: Can you think of something in your life where you once thought it was OK, but later you began to realize it was wrong to think or behave that way?”
The reality of former homosexuals, bisexuals and transgendered individuals is not welcome news to unrepentant “LGBTQ” proponents, but this is the hope and truth of God’s design on full display.
Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 with your child again, and fully explain the reality of these verses. One takeaway is that the Apostle Paul encountered homosexuals as part of the churches where he taught. It was a well known practice in ancient Greece and Rome. Another major point here is that God will not offer the kingdom of God to openly proud people who continually engage in serious sins with no repentance. This is a heavy verse, but it’s true.
A third point here is that God can overcome these feelings for the true believer, because Paul witnessed this “washing and sanctifying” of homosexuals, as well as those engaging in other sins. “Such were some of you,” Paul writes. What wonderful news—that these feelings are not out of God’s loving power to change!
Being Afraid, page 29—“Question: What's a favorite Bible verse you know that helps you be brave and do the right thing when you are afraid what people might think? If you don't remember a special verse you like, see if you can find one.”
Ask your child if he or she remembers a special verse. Discuss all the times in Scripture where God’s Word says, “Fear not.”
Read Psalm 18 with your child. Discuss the power of God to overcome our enemies, including Satan, his devious plans and confusion.
Again, the topic is courage, having spiritual discernment mixed with security in God’s Word. Encourage your child to express confidence in God’s promises, and reinforce what has been taught already, that no one is born this way and God’s beautiful design of male and female biological identities and marriage is a sure foundation when we discuss these topics.
Another Kind of Sin, page 31 –“Question: What do you think children in this situation should do?”
Here we are touching on the extremely sensitive topic of child sexual abuse. We felt that we needed to include this for the following reason. No child should ever believe that being coerced into sexual sin by an adult makes them a sinful participant in this activity. God must look with great sorrow on such violations of children, and of course He is the great Healer and Comforter when people have suffered at the hands of other people.
You will have to evaluate how much time you want to spend on this. Two major points here are that it is never the child's fault and that the child should never keep this a secret, but should tell someone they trust, ideally their parents.
So Let’s Talk about “Transgender,” page 33 – “Question: Do you think girls want boys in their bathroom or shower? Do you think it makes sense that this kind of situation makes people feel uncomfortable?”
This question introduces the topic of gender confusion, which we will cover in more detail in the next few questions.
Ask your child how it would feel if a person of the opposite sex appeared in the girls’ or boys’ restroom, or in a school shower, or the shower at their city’s swimming pool, or even if this person signed up to play on a same sex athletic team.
There will be lots of room for discussion here I'm sure. You may also want to ask your child this question: should you be able to go to someone in charge in your school and ask that this not happen in the future? And then what would you say if this person in charge told you this was going to continue and they were not going to make any changes? How would you feel?
Where’s the Science? page 35—“Question: Since we know that God does not make mistakes in the things He has created, if you know someone who is confused about gender, what would you say to him or her if you had the chance?”
A discussion here might cover God’s creation of male and female as distinct types of humans. Why did He do it this way, instead of making all humans the same, or having some other design? God is all-powerful so He could have done it another way, but He did not.
One common argument among the proponents of sex “change” is that there are people born with what seems at first to be indeterminate sex characteristics. But these birth defects are usually corrected early after an examination of genetic makeup, and the correction is made toward either a distinctly male or a female identity. This is not the same as the child or adult who is born as very obviously male or female, but who later has confused ideas and wants to “become” the other sex through medication and/or surgery.
An Impossible “Change,” page 37 – “Question: Can you think of some things that could be done to help a boy or girl who is confused about the way he or she is born?”
You may want to have a discussion here about what motivates a child or teen to go along with taking strong medicine and hoping for a change to the opposite sex. Have the parents been talked into gender “treatment,” and then talk the child into it? Is the counselor confused?
Ask your child, do you think this confused student is very troubled about something, and hasn’t yet figured out what it is? Should parents and counselors be trying to address this, instead of giving him or her medicine that can damage his or her body for life?
“It’s Not Fine,” page 38—"Question: If one of your friends invited you to go to a pride parade, do you know what you would do and what you would say to your friend?"
Read Deuteronomy 22:5 with your child, and have him or her think about this. If God was unhappy when people dressed as the opposite sex, do we think He is way more unhappy when people take strong medicine to attempt sex “change”? Some even have surgery that they do not need to cut off healthy private parts, even though they are not sick. This may be quite distressing for a child to know, so use your discernment.
Here we bring up the subject of pride parades. You may want to inform your child that these happen most of the time in June. And there’s a lot of push in many cities to think of this as a joyous reason to celebrate. But it’s not. It’s just the opposite, but the people involved are spiritually and morally blind.
One (of many) evidences of this moral blindness is the obscene nature of the parade. Some of the marchers wear few or no clothes and some dance in a sexually explicit manner. How much you wish to share with your child is up to you. Read Isaiah 3:9, which is truly prophetic here about the pridefulness of people like those in Sodom:
“The look on their countenance witnesses against them,
And they declare their sin as Sodom;
They do not hide it.
Woe to their soul!
For they have brought evil upon themselves.”
Men who dress up as women in flamboyant evening gowns and make-up, yet usually assume an overtly lewd presentation, are featured in most parades and called “drag queens.” The crowd cheers and applauds as if this fake female is doing something fine, but it’s not fine.
Ask your child what he or she thinks about all this. And more importantly, what does God think about this?
Real Tolerance, page 39— “Question: Have you ever heard someone say everyone should believe “pride” and ‘LGBTQ’ behavior are good? Do you think that's tolerant or respectful of those who disagree?”
Ask your child if he or she believes everyone needs to go along with this movement. Explore what might happen if a person speaks out. Should opinions that do not approve of this sinful conduct be allowed? If they are not, is this fair? What opinions do you think are allowed at your school?
Treated Unfairly, page 41 – “Question: Does this seem fair that those who do not agree with the ‘LGBTQ’ promoters are treated badly?”
Spend a little more time on the subject of free speech. Your child may not know that Christians and others are sometimes punished for publicly objecting to “LGBTQ” behavior. Sometimes it’s an expensive lawsuit. Sometimes the costs are even greater: losing their business and home. To explore further, you and your child could read about the case of Aaron and Melissa Klein.
Ask if they have ever spoken out when something seemed unfair or against what God would want.
What Does Jesus Say? page 43 – “Question: Do you think that marriage between a man and woman-- the kind that Jesus established-- is a good thing? Are babies and families a good thing?”
Read Matthew 19:4-6 with your child. Talk about how Jesus made it clear that marriage is between one man and one woman, and that even the families these married couples grew up in also consist of one man and one woman.
Ask your child if he or she notices what’s missing. The answer is, any reference to two men or two women being a married couple that’s acceptable in the sight of Jesus. In fact, you should point out that there is nowhere in Scripture where any same sex couple is featured with approval. Homosexuality is always a sin, and Jesus’ standard of sexual behavior is within a man/woman marriage.
Restore God’s Rainbow, page 45 – “Question: Can you think of a good prayer about restoring the rainbow and opening the eyes of those who feel proud of their sin?”
So this is a “What do we do?” page. First, we must not hate these people but pray for them, so have your child write a prayer for the lost and blind people involved in “LGBTQ” behavior.
Also, we must think about ways to restore the reputation of God’s rainbow and not let it continue to represent a sinful movement. Ask your child if he or she can think of ways this might be done.
Speak the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15), page 46 –“Question: Share some of your thoughts. How would you explain it to another person?”
The sins of homosexuality and gender confusion have presented overwhelming challenges for today’s families and our culture, but we should not be avoiding these subjects. Instead, they are witnessing opportunities.
Ask your child to imagine a conversation with two acquaintances: one who expresses approval of these identities, but is not involved; and the second, someone who openly declares an identity as “LGBTQ.”
How can a conversation with the first person turn to an explanation about God’s design and creation? Salvation through Jesus?
And with the second person, how can the discussion reach a point where the person learns about the many ex-“LGBTQ” people there are, many of whom were transformed by faith in Jesus?
THANK YOU for taking this time to teach your child! Sowing these seeds will reap a bountiful harvest in the mind, heart and soul of this precious believer. God bless your family.
