We will say gay, we will say trans, and we will continue to support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community—this Pride Month and always.
In March 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill. This legislation overtly prohibits the discussion and instruction of LGBTQIA+ and gender identity-related topics in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms while covertly attempting to oppress and delegitimize members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The bill, which will go into effect in July 2022, additionally:
- Allows guardians the right to sue their child’s school if the school is found to be noncompliant with the bill—some schools are even beginning to remove LGBTQIA+ and race-related books from library shelves to mitigate litigation brought forth by guardians
- Requires schools to notify the child’s guardian(s) if the child begins utilizing mental health services at school, which could demotivate LGBTQIA+ (and all) children from seeking these now nonconfidential services
Unfortunately, legislation targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals does not start nor stop there. As of March 2022, almost 240 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced this year, with most directed toward transgender individuals.
In the proposed bills, trans people would be barred from, for instance, participating in sports teams, using bathrooms that align with their identity, and receiving health care. For example, the Idaho House passed HB 675—a measure that would make the distribution of puberty blockers or hormones by guardians or doctors to transgender minors a felony, effectively outlawing vital gender-affirming care and despicably categorizing gender-affirming surgery as “mutilation.” Follow updates on this bill here.
At World Animal Protection, we do not condone any measure—legal or otherwise—that seeks to undermine the identity, safety, and freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community, or anyone. We will say gay, we will say trans, and we will continue to support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community—this Pride Month and always.
