A new textbook created by the Beijing Normal University is teaching children in China about sex education in an inclusive way, according to the .
The book—Cherish Life—depicts pupils asking their teacher about two women who live together.
“Most people are attracted by their opposite sex, but some are drawn to those of the same sex. This phenomenon is very normal,” says their teacher. “We should not discriminate against these people."
As well as depicting gay and straight orientations, the text book also mentions bisexuality.
“Did you guys hear about the celebrity that came out as bisexual?” says a girl in the book.
“Didn’t Teacher tell us? Some people like both spicy and sweet. There’s nothing to be shocked about,” her friend responds.
The book also depicts illustrations male and female genitals, information on sexual abuse, sexually transmitted infections and gender equality.
One parent posted on Weibo about the book, saying: “Is it reasonable for a textbook to be compiled like this? I blush reading it.”
Gay website Danlan has praised Cherish Life for being the first mainland China textbook to portray “accurate knowledge about sexual orientation”.
While the text book is not part of official teaching materials for schools in China, the publisher says the book has been adopted by 18 primary schools in Beijing.
