We see through “don’t say gay” and anti-trans bills. We’re fighting back.
Anti-gay and anti-trans laws say they protect students or inform parents. But the truth is they censor LGBTQ+ life, diminish trans identities, and make a hostile culture against anyone who supports bodily autonomy.
Growing up as a transgender man in Ohio, I felt I couldn’t be open about my identity with friends or family. I always feared being “found out” knowing the scrutiny, judgement, rejection, or violence other LGBTQ+ youth commonly face.
There were times in school when I could be authentic about my identity, like with creative writing assignments. I knew it would stay between me and my teacher, not affecting my personal life.
Having a teacher or counselor you trust can be vital support for so many LGBTQ+ students – sometimes, a teacher is your only support.
I worry about my two nephews’ safety in elementary school. They have supportive parents who would always fight for their well-being and self-expression. But how can they be protected when the school district adopts anti-LGBTQ+ policies?
Laws like Ohio’s “don’t say gay” bill ban speech about LGBTQ+ identities and erode trust between educators and students. All students deserve to be safe and respected at school, not targeted by adults who take away their human rights to health care and bathrooms.
It’s discriminatory and dangerous to force LGBTQ+ youth to grow up in a battleground of politics debating their right to live in peace. And the attacks are far from over with the new administration.
Times like these require all of us to speak out against hatred. While hateful legislation may try to silence, erase, or harm us, it will never stop trans people from existing!