How Should Parents Address Questions About Dumbledore Being Gay?

JK Rowling, author of the series of Harry Potter books, recently revealed that Albus Dumbledore, beloved head master of Harry Potters' Hogwarts, was, in her eyes, gay.

Following Dumbledore's outing, the Internet is full of parental comments indicating feelings of betrayal. How could Rowling, they say, allow their children to come to know, love and respect Dumbledore only to announce (after the fact) that he is gay - leaving unprepared parents to explain their children's questions about homosexuality? Here is advice on how to deal with the sudden Dumbledore dilemma:

1. Calmly Evaluate The Situation: First determine the reality of your situation. If your children have not heard the news themselves and are not asking questions, there is no reason to tell them right now unless you want to. Since there is absolutely no overt homosexual references in any of the books, there is very little possibility that a child would pick up on Dumbledore's "gayness." If you would rather not discuss homosexuality in the same discussion as Harry Potter, there is no reason why you can't act as if nothing has happened and allow your children to enjoy the books as written.

2. If You're Asked Questions About Dumbledore's Sexuality, Consider Your Child's Age And Respond Appropriately: If your child hears about Dumbledore's homosexuality and asks you about it, use this as an opportunity to speak openly and give your child the accurate information you want him to know. The truth is, sooner or later, your child will overhear references to homosexuality and will have questions. So make sure you're the one supplying the information rather than letting your child form an understanding or opinion about homosexuality from his young peers - who may not be giving him information you'd like him to internalize.