Don't Say Straight
A Joint Statement on Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill for Not Safe for School by Allison Harbin & Abs Wilson.
Not Safe for School is back from a quick mental health/spring break hiatus, and we're taking no prisoners.
Hi folks,
It's been about a month since the "Don't Say Gay" bill was passed by the Florida HOR in a vote of 69-47. From the state that brought us Asian hate and Pulse nightclub shootings, now we have Trump's legacy come home to roost. Or perhaps I should say rot.
At first, I laughed it away. And then, I bowed out on a burn-out-mandated two-week break from work. I needed to take the time to process just how damning Florida's political stunt is. To say nothing of how damaging.
Here's why we should ALL be deeply concerned about the Don't Say Gay Bill: mental health.
(See The stunning mental health fallout of Don't Say Gay bills like Florida's. March 14, 2022. by Talib Visram. )
"Advocacy groups concerned with LGBTQ well-being worry about the toll of such legislation on mental health—especially given that 42% of LGBTQ youth already seriously considered suicide last year, including more than half of trans and nonbinary youth."
Here's our fearless and favorite Not Safe for School communications intern, Abs. They're here to make a personal appeal as to why we all need to be tremendously worried about the impact of this on college campuses and our society writ large:
Hi all!
When I learned about what was happening in Florida, I first thought of my younger self, the struggle I had, and the role one of my teachers played in my understanding of myself. Then, in my first year of high school, I became close with one of my teachers. She ended up being the first person I ever came out to, and her overwhelming support from her made a huge impact.
I can’t imagine not having that experience and connection with that teacher. My heart aches for every student in Florida that is being denied their right to have the support I got and needed and the complete lack of representation in the curriculum.
Get ready for some numbers... according to a statistic from the Biennial national survey, three-quarters of LGBTQ middle and high school students in Florida have been harassed in schools. According to GLSEN research, between 10 and 13% have faced physical assault. Nearly 60% didn’t report the incident. LGBTQ students already face a higher rate of bullying and a higher risk of suicide and need the resources they are being denied (this article gives more visual data.) The Trevor Project conducted a survey on 35 thousand LGBTQ youth, and almost half have seriously contemplated attempting suicide in the past year. The Trevor Project says 85% of trans and non-binary youth and two-thirds of LGBTQ youth saythe recent state restrictions and debate have impacted their mental health.
Not only is the bill unconstitutional, but it has a direct impact on LGBTQ student safety and paves the way for every conservative lawmaker across the country to enforce similar legislation. Not to mention the 15 or so other states already in the process of passing Don't Say Gay bill-style propositions.
On the lowest level, queer students are forced to protest their rights, taking away from their educational experience and valuable time. Plus, it's exhausting for young and impressionable minds not to internalize all this negativity. We must implement LGBTQ-inclusive policies and expand support systems to show acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society.
It comes down to LGBTQ students being used as political pawns. Still, the protesting and overwhelming support against the bill show that the gay agenda is working. We are working step by step to allow future youth to be free of discrimination. If you want to be a part of the change, visit Equality Florida to donate, volunteer, and get involved.
We need to bring LGBTQ curriculums into schools. A comprehensive and inclusive curriculum creates a better school environment, promoting respect and acceptance for the community, and yes, that includes K-3. There are many misconceptions about what this means, and NO, it isn't about sex education in the third grade. It's about fostering a sense of inclusion and letting kids know it's okay to have 2 moms or 2 dads. Most people wouldn't think these things are a relevant issue at this young age, but you'd be surprised…. I knew in the second grade.
I urge all educators to read this pdf and consider implementing LGBTQ lesson plans and curricula and expanding their advocacy for LGBTQ youth. You play more of a role than you'd think!
-Abs Wilson (they/them), Journalism and Media Major at SUNY Geneseo
Psst, like this newsletter? Could you share it with a friend?
Gen Z won't stay quiet on Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill by Scottie Andrew, CNN
Here's what Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' and Anti-'Woke' Bills Actually Say by Eesha Pendharkar
QUOTE: "The two measures are part of a nationwide, largely conservative push to limit lessons on systemic racism, sexism, gender and sexuality, and LGBTQ+ topics. Fifteen states have passed similar legislation over the past year, and 26 others have introduced bills attempting to restrict these lessons."