By: Maya Listman


We took to Facebook to ask the Savvy Auntourage how to answer what may be a challenging question for some:

AUNTIE UP! You're out for lunch with your 6 year old nephew. Out of nowhere, he asks you what "gay" means. What do you say?

So, how did the Savvy Auntourage respond? Many took a literal approaching, saying they would tell them it means “happy.” Some would explain what “gay” means honestly, and in a way the child would understand. Others would leave the question for the child’s parents to answer. And finally, some Savvy Auntie said their nieces and nephews already know what “gay” means because they have an aunt or uncle or friend who is gay.

It means happy:
Marlene Waddell Happy...in England it means happy.
Megan J Williams Happy. I'd explain it better when they both get older.
Pauline Parker Brannigan Happy.. I'm not lying and then talk to his parents and give them a heads up he asked.

Be honest with them:
Cara Marie Vergeyle They know! But I would tell him exactly what it is with no problems
Beth Frutkin Sometimes girls love girls, sometimes boys love boys, sometimes girls love boys. It's all normal and natural.
Casey Hiller Tell him what being gay means. Simple

Ask the parents:
Kim Burns My brother and sister-in-law would probably prefer me to tell the nephew he should ask his parents.
Elizabeth Johnson Id tell him that he would have to ask his parents for an explanation
Dawn Wallander Actually, this is a good one for me to ask my sister [to] share her feelings in case it DOES come up.

They already know:
Sarah Michaud My nephew knows! His uncle is gay. But I don't even think he knows there's a word for it. Just that one uncle has a boyfriend and one uncle has a girlfriend.
Vicky Strand He already know what gay is because he is loved by gay humans.
Lee Sheridan My nephew is actually 13 and he knows. He has friend who is so he is very protective

AUNTIE UP! Add your savvy response!