13 year old and gay pride

[17leftfeet]

Dd has been dropping hints since she was 11 that she saw people rather than gender

I've no issue with this, just want her to be happy whoever she is with and I've told her this many times

She's recently told me she has a girlfriend so I've had the same chat I would have had if it was a boyfriend about boundaries and only doing what she's comfortable with

She's now asked me if they can go to Leeds pride together

We're only about 10 minutes outside the city and she's allowed shopping and to the cinema by herself but having never been to a pride event I'm not sure how safe it is

I'm worried about anti gay protestors -as she's only young I don't know how she would cope with people like that

Should I let her go?

11 is young but lots of people know they are gay from a young age, why don't you go with them?
Most unlikely to have anti gay protesters at a pride event but if there are you can explain the bigotry to them.
Maybe the gf's parents would want to go to to support them?

Why not all go? I'd make it a family outing and once you have the lie of the land and are more comfortable you could let them go off and do their own thing for a few hours.

I took DD (13) to Pride in London the other weekend (I'm a lesbian) and she had a blast! There were no anti-gay protesters and it was a great atmosphere. I'd go along as a family - it's very friendly!

I'm disabled so struggle with outdoor events otherwise I probably would go

I don't know the other girls parents so don't know what their take on the whole thing is

It might be an idea to get to know the other girl's family if she's your DDs GF, they are young, I'd want to know a little bit about my kids G/Bfs at that age whether or not they are gay.
But also because of any problems they may come up against at school or with other friends.
Pride can be pretty full on if you've never been before.
Fun for sure but I think I'd want to go with them.

I agree, get to know the GF's parents.

Do you have a family friend who could take them. Know I would be happy to take a friends child if they asked me. Would be a fun day out.

Just to add, I think it is great that you and your daughter have such a great relationship. The fact that you can talk about this with her is super. I know I felt too embarrassed to speak to my mum about boys until I was in my 20's and she is so open and lovely.

It is also good that she feels safe and confidant to express her feelings at such a young age. I hope this is a sign of the world being a more accepting place.