28-06-2025
Early exposure to sexuality in schools sparks worry among parents abroad
IN a quiet suburb of a Western country thousands of kilometres from home, a Malaysian mother of two juggles the everyday demands of parenthood - but her greatest concern isn't about groceries or the cost of living. It's about values.
With two young children under the age of five, the mother - who requested anonymity for privacy reasons is caught in the crosscurrents of modern education and personal conviction.
Her daughter, barely four, currently attends a private religious kindergarten. It's a costly decision, one that weighs heavily on the family's finances. But it's a choice she stands by, even if it means tightening their belts.
'I actually want to send my daughter to a public school, of course, it's more affordable.
"But I fear what she might be exposed to, she told Sinar Daily recently
Her hesitation stems from the fact that, in many parts of the Western education system, discussions on sexuality, gender identity and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) themes are introduced as early as four years old.
This approach, especially in the Western world, meant to promote inclusivity and acceptance, is viewed by many as progressive and necessary. For this Malaysian mother, however, it raises deeply personal and cultural questions.
'My general concern is exposing kids so early on about LGBT and multiple genders as part of the education system.
'While being inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ and multiple gender community in our society is important, we must also find the balance to respect other people's religion and beliefs,' she said.
She makes it clear she is not against co-existence or acceptance. In fact, her own circle of friends includes members of the LGBTQ community.
'Some of my very close friends and colleagues are part of the LGBTQ community, but we learn to accept each other's differences and respect each other's values.
'There is absolutely no condemning of each other's beliefs, values or religions… as long as we learn to live with each other,' she said.
But where she draws the line is the idea of early, structured exposure to topics on sexuality in schools. A man wearing a mask takes part in the formation of the world's biggest LGBT pride flag at Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 22, 2025. (Photo by Rodrigo Oropeza / AFP)
'I can't force people to convert to Christianity or impose my religious values on them. I would expect the same from the LGBTQ community.
'We live in a very diverse community. We learn to live together peacefully and respectfully. We acknowledge they exist, but in no way do I need the government or school or someone to intentionally expose my children to their sexuality at such a young age,' she said.
For now, the private kindergarten remains her family's middle ground.
A compromise between embracing diversity and preserving the religious framework she wants her children to grow up with. But the looming question of public school still hangs over her.
As her children grow and education becomes more structured, she knows more difficult decisions lie ahead. Raising children has become not just a matter of nurturing but navigating religious and cultural values.
Unfortunately, this mother is not the only one experiencing mixed emotions over inclusivity, acceptance and early exposure. Two more Malaysian mothers living in North America shares similar sentiments.
Both women - Muslims, said they were still figuring out the best way forward before their children enters formal education, in Malaysian terms 'Standard 1'.
For these mothers, returning to Malaysia where things are much more conservative and discussions on sexuality and multiple genders are still a taboo, remains a distance.
One mother said: 'For now, we will have to educate and impart knowledge and values the best way possible, may they remember our beliefs and the right way to handle things', adding that although Islam does acknowledge intersex (khans) or ambiguous genitalia, there is a way to approach things.
