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Sixth graders in Oregon have been asked to fill out a state health survey and define their gender and sexuality – with 12 options that include ‘demiboy,’ ‘demigirl’ and ‘agender.’

The survey, launched in 2020 and issued every two years, has recently been sent to young people across the state, with different versions for 6th, 8th and 11th grade.

The 6th grade children, aged 11 and 12, are asked in question 13 of 76 whether they would define themselves as a girl or a boy.

Other options include ‘demiboy’ and ‘demigirl’, nonbinary, gender fluid, or ‘agender’.

Native Americans are given the option of defining their gender identity as ‘two spirit’ – a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit.

Oregon 6th graders are being asked detailed questions about their gender and sexuality

Oregon 6th graders are being asked detailed questions about their gender and sexuality

Question 14 asks whether they consider themselves transgender: for question 15, they are given 10 options, including ‘pansexual’, ‘asexual’ and ‘aromantic’.

Additional replies include lesbian or gay, straight, bisexual, queer, something else fits better, I am not sure of my sexuality.

All questions have the optional answers of ‘I don’t know what this is asking’, and ‘I’d prefer not to answer’.

Oregon’s health authority stresses that the survey is voluntary, and parents can opt their children out.

But they encourage parents to let their children participate.

‘The Student Health Survey (SHS) survey is a comprehensive, school-based, anonymous and voluntary survey about health behaviors,’ the website states. 

‘It is a key part of statewide efforts to help local schools and communities ensure that all Oregon youth are healthy and successful learners.’

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Youngsters are asked where they sleep – with options including the homes of parents and relatives, foster care, shelters, carparks and motels.

They are asked whether they feel safe and listened to, and whether they have access to ‘space at school where you can meet with other students who you identify with or who are like you? (Gay/Queer/Straight Alliance, affinity group, BIPOC, etc).’

They are asked if they have ever been bullied or self-harmed ‘such as cutting or burning yourself on purpose’, and whether they have considered suicide.

Oregon authorities denied that asking the questions put thoughts into students’ minds.  

‘Asking youth about sensitive topics does not harm them and does NOT encourage these behaviors,’ the website states.

‘The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that there is no evidence that simply asking students about health risk behaviors encourages that behavior. The only way to determine if adolescents are at risk is to ask.

‘Questions are age-appropriate and presented in a straightforward and sensitive manner. Students can choose not to answer any question that may make them uncomfortable.’

They were also asked about their dietary and exercise habits, access to alcohol and drugs, and whether they had recently seen a doctor and dentist.

Parents are told that the anonymous results ‘can inform your school’s needs assessment and strategic planning.’

The state says they employ ‘an active parental notification/passive parental permission model’ – whereby parents are notified of the survey, and can return a signed form to the school if they choose to excuse their student from the survey.

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Parents reacted with anger to the survey. One said that her son was left in tears after being given similar questions four years ago, in a different survey in Oregon. 

‘This isn’t new,’ said one mother. 

‘My son was given a Youth Truth survey in 6th grade here in Oregon where he was asked these kinds of Q’s, that was 4 years ago. 

‘The district broke the law by not telling parents in advance. 

‘My son cried, he didn’t understand & thought he marked it wrong.’

Another said: ‘I have a 6th grader. This question is beyond inappropriate to ask.’

One quoted her friend, whose child was asked to fill out the survey.

‘My friend’s response: ‘Funny. The school district sent out a consent form asking parents if their children could take this but failed to tell us what was on it. I had a feeling it was this so I refused. 

‘They handed out prizes for kids that took it. I (redacted) hate this state.” 

And another added: ‘I’m the parent of a sixth grader in Texas…I dare my daughters school to try something like this here. 

‘They get away with it in Liberal states because the people there allow it. 

‘Fun fact… I’m not a republican.’

Another pointed out the questions were wildly inappropriate, and ridiculous.

‘At that age, I definitely would’ve answered something ludicrous for my own entertainment,’ he said. 

‘Anyone else?’

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