Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill being changed to deliberately expose LGBTQ kids to violence and abandonment

 As it was originally written, Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill is a nightmare to the state's LGBTQ community. But a recent change may make the bill more dangerous to LGBTQ kids.

A portion of the bill originally said that school officials must out LGBTQ students to their parents unless "a reasonably prudent person would believe that such a disclosure would lead to abuse, abandonment, or neglect . . ." 

In a change suggested by the bill's sponsor, Rep Joe Harding, school officials would be required to out LGBTQ kids to their parents regardless of whether or not it would lead to abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

An amendment was just filed by the sponsor of #DontSayGay to make it even more dangerous for vulnerable kids with a STATE-MANDATED outing of LGBTQ students to parents, specifically in cases of abuse, abandonment + neglect.

This will have devastating consequences for our youth.😢 pic.twitter.com/3s89rcMrMN

— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) February 20, 2022

The following is the portion Rep Smith is talking about

There is no way to put this politely - the alteration of the bill makes things worse. It demands that school officials out LGBTQ kids even if they know that the consequences would lead to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The new conditions which come along with this are deliberately vague and completely unenforceable. It requires schools officials to come up with some sort of  "plan," but it doesn't require parents to participate.

The irony of the 'Don't Say Gay' bill is that it sprang from the mindset that school officials interfere with how parents are raising their children. The message is that 'parents know best.' But this bill proves that in some cases, parents may not know best. And the continuous maneuvering proves that the sponsor and supporters of the bill know this but when it comes to the well-being of LGBTQ kids, they simply don't care.

'Pro-LGBTQ companies funded FL lawmakers who back 'Don't Say Gay' bill' & other Fri midday news briefs

Pro-LGBTQ+ Companies Funded Florida Lawmakers Who Back 'Don't Say Gay' - Houston, we have a problem.

Virginia house passes first bill to roll back LGBTQ rights after Republicans won it back​ - Y'all knew they would try this.

Gay lawmaker snaps as NYC mayor says he’ll hire “kill the gays” pastor for “faith-based” position - Very, very unacceptable, Mayor Adams.

LGBTQ Representation On TV Has Hit Record Highs, But Still Falls Short In Key Areas - Good for a start but improvement never hurts.

Gov Kristi Noem claims depression in LGBTQ youth makes her sad (days after signing a bill negatively affecting LGBTQ youth)

If Gov. Kristi Noem actually cared about depression and anxiety in LGBTQ youth, she wouldn't have signed a bill harming LGBTQ youth.

What's worse than a bigoted person? A dense bigoted person. I give you Exhibit A - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem:

Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD), who just signed the first anti-trans bill of 2022 into law, is asked why she thinks 90% of LGBTQ+ youth in South Dakota are diagnosed with anxiety or depression:

“I don’t know. That makes me sad, and we should figure it out.” pic.twitter.com/WbKr2Tlujs

— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) February 17, 2022

First of all, forgive me if I come across as petty but Gov Noem seem sad in the above video. Not even a little bit. But if she truly wants to "figure it out," I suggest she look in the mirror. Actions like signing that awful bill - which is based on nothing more than lies and fear - is a leading cause of anxiety and depression in LGBTQ youth. 

According to a study released in January:

More than two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth say recent efforts by states to limit the rights of transgender and nonbinary people have negatively impacted their mental health, according to a poll released . . .  by the Trevor Project.

 . . .In the Trevor Project’s survey of 820 LGBTQ+ youth aged 13 to 24 years old, 70 percent said they were closely following recent news about issues impacting the transgender community, and two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth said debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health. That impact has been more dramatic among transgender and nonbinary youth, with more than 85 percent of that group reporting that their mental health has taken a hit, according to the survey. 

 "These results underscore how recent politics and ongoing crises facing the globe can have a real, negative impact on LGBTQ young people, a group consistently found to be at significantly increased risk for depression, anxiety and attempting suicide because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society," Amit Paley, CEO of The Trevor Project, said in a statement. 

The fact that Noem doesn't know this  - or pretends not to know this - underscores just how warped the conversation about anti-trans legislation has been. While folks like her go on and on about supposedly 'protecting kids.' they haven't been held accountable to the reality that its their legislation which is doing the actual harm.

Isn't it way past time to make these folks address that fact?

'Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill new focal point in battles on racism, politics (especially presidential politics)' & other Thur midday news briefs

Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill new focal point in battles on racism, politics - Oh you best believe it! The fight is on. DeSantis is trying to build a road to the White House on our backs and the backs of our LGBTQ kids. Hell no. 

Parents' rights, LGBTQ advocates at odds over district's new advisory committee - Sounds like someone is attempting to throw a poison pill into this committee.

French fashion designer gets abuse after sharing photo kissing husband​ - The haters will have to get over it.

Russia makes failed attempt to shut down prominent LGBTQ rights group - This attempt to shut down and erase LGBTQ people is worldwide.

I confess. The heterosexual promiscuity to homosexuality to transgenderism pipeline was MY brilliant creation.

Looks like extremely bigoted Scott Lively has got me dead to rights. 

Transgenderism did not become the "cause celeb" until homosexuality had been normalized, and the campaign to normalize homosexuality did not take center stage until heterosexual promiscuity had been normalized. This is a long-term agenda we're watching unfold, being pushed by people, principalities and powers with a very long view and the patience to allow each stage to settle in slowly until enough of the public accepts it to ensure nothing will be successfully reversed. Don't believe that? Tell me what you think are the prospects for re-criminalizing adultery in America and what's actually changed to make that idea seem ridiculous. Adultery isn't any less immoral or harmful today than it was when its criminalization was considered a no-brainer by virtually everyone. We've simply been the victims of incremental desensitization. 

 Recognizing that truth should lead any honest person to admit that, unless something changes in our approach, we conservatives are going to lose the transgender battle just like we lost the homosexual battle, and later on we're going to lose the transhumanism battle after they've crushed us on transgenderism. And some of the very same people fighting hard against transgenderism today are going to simply shrug their shoulders at it tomorrow, just like today many "conservatives" have decided homosexuality is no big deal anymore. 

 The left wins because they have a vision for the future that drives their movement and excites their activists. They envision a perfect socialist utopia built upon the ashes of Judeo-Christian civilization, and they constantly work proactively to achieve it.

I confess, this was all my plan. Yep. It was all my idea. My brainchild.

I came up with the concept during that great gay recruitment conference on Fire Island in 1967. That is except for that part about the ashes of Judeo-Christian civilization.  I did not plan that. Some white boy snuck it in. You know black queens loves us some Jesus.

Lively has gotten better when it comes to accusing gays of things. I remember when he accused us of starting the Nazi Party. Now that was ludicrous for obvious reasons. Also, no gay men alive would be caught wearing  awful battleship grey uniforms with those annoyingly wide pants legs.

'Bigoted preacher says he hopes 'every single homosexual dies' in hate sermon' & other Wed midday news briefs

Preacher says he hopes “every single homosexual dies” in hate sermon​ - Yes we need to know that people like this are out there. He's a bastard but at least he is more honest than certain people who won't voice that opinion but are attempting to pass legislation with it in mind.

Another Out LGBTQ+ Olympian Won a Gold Medal in Beijing - Nice! 

Trans swimmer Lia Thomas poised to compete in NCAA championships - Some people are angry that Ms. Thomas is going to be able to compete. Let them stay mad.

6 LGBTQ storylines from Super Bowl LVI - Apparently this Super Bowl was very, very LGBTQ friendly.

Video - How Arizona Lawmakers Talk About LGBTQ+ People

 

I'm a huge fan of giving homophobic and transphobic people room to talk, especially when they have legislative power to harm LGBTQ people. As this short video of Arizona legislators proves, give them enough space and their words become our best proof of their bigotry. It's no wonder that 12 anti-LGBTQ bills were filed this year in Arizona. 

Hat tip to the Human Rights Campaign

Related post -  LGBTQ people are the ones in need of protection from the religious right

'Check out this year's must-see LGBTQ Super Bowl ads' & other Tue midday news briefs

 

Check out this year’s must-see LGBTQ Super Bowl ads​ - Ads featuring LGBTQ people during the Super Bowl is not a victory for the NFL or the Super Bowl. It's our victory and we shouldn't be ashamed to enjoy it. It's all about not having to hide.

 Uber warned it could face discrimination probe after trans drivers suspended - Okay Uber. I was beginning to become a loyal customer. You need to do better. 

Black gay priest in NYC challenges Catholicism from within - I hope he's successful. 

15 LGBTQ+ Celebrities Who Showed Off Their Significant Others This Valentine's Day - Awwwww!

LGBTQ people are the ones in need of protection from the religious right

Editor's note - This has been on my mind for a while. I wish more would begin questioning the narrative of this so-called culture war.

When the religious right and their legislatives allies tried to ban gay marriage, they claimed they were trying to protect marriage.

When they try to ban transgender children from using a school restroom which matches their gender identities, they claim they are protecting women and girls from 'predators.'

When they try to pass laws making it legal for physicians to turn away LGBTQ potential patients, businesses to turn away LGBTQ potential customers, and foster care and adoption agencies to turn away LGBTQ potential clients (while still being able to access LGBTQ tax dollars), they claim they are protecting religious beliefs.

When they try to pass laws banning transgender girls and women from high school and collegiate sports (but not transgender boys and men), they claim they are protecting cis female athletes.

And now when they are trying to ban discussions of LGBTQ matters in school classrooms, preventing transgender children from receiving accurate healthcare, making it more difficult for closeted kids to confide in their teachers, and eliminating LGBTQ-oriented books from libraries, they claim they are protecting children.

How come every time the religious right and their legislative allies claim that they are protecting something, it is LGBTQ people who are the ones in need of protection from them?

Related webpage  - Free to Say Gay

'Arizona Republican breaks with party to block trans health care ban' & other Mon midday news briefs

Arizona Republican breaks with party to block transgender health care ban​ - Finally a member of the GOP who genuinely who cares about the kids.

Anti-gay pastor still in contention for job in Adams administration - Start talking, Mayor Adams. You have a lot of explaining to do. 

Gay billionaire Peter Thiel is going all in on Trump wannabes in this year’s midterm elections - It's depressing when your own people try to make your a living hell.

Pete Buttigieg Explains Damning Impact of Florida 'Don't Say Gay' Bills - Don't stop repeating this truth. All of us.

'Don't Say Gay' bill not just in Florida. Tenn lawmaker now trying to pass similar bill.

This from Raw Story doesn't put me in any state of shock. It's stupid and totally uncalled for, but  say pour it on. When those who oppose your basic freedoms are empowered to show their true faces, let them. Let them show the entire world just how hateful they are.

But just don't let them get away with it:

As Florida's dangerous and possibly unconstitutional "Don't Say Gay" bill gathers nationwide attention and condemnation – making it more likely to be passed and signed into law by Republican governor and rumored 2024 presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, another Republican is dusting off his own "Don't Say Gay" bill to push his "Christian values" agenda.

Tennessee state Rep. Bruce Griffey says if schools are forcing him to teach Christian values at home because they won't teach them in the classroom, they should not be allowed to "promote" what his legislation calls "LGBT issues or lifestyles." 

 “The state of Tennessee is not allowed to teach my daughters Christian values that I think are important and they should learn, so I teach those at home,” Rep. Griffey told Tennessee's WMC, as The Advocate reports. “So if those are not part of the school curriculum, I don’t see how LGBTQ and other issues and social lifestyles should be part of the curriculum.”

According to The Advocate:

Tennessee lawmakers have tried several times to pass such a bill and have failed. Bills to this effect came up in 2011 and 2013 but didn’t pass, and Griffey’s bill was put on hold last year because of the pandemic. But now he’s out working on it, and it’s part of a spate of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation the state is considering, including one bill that would restrict gender-affirming care for minors and one that would allow teachers and other school staffers to disregard students’ preferred pronouns. The state saw five anti-LGBTQ+ bills become law last year, including a ban on transgender student athletes competing under their gender identity, and this year looks to be even worse, 

Chris Sanders, executive director of the Tennessee Equality Project, tells The Advocate. “The 2022 legislative session has brought the most discriminatory bills ever,” he says in a email. “Attacks on gender-affirming care, trans athletes, and LGBTQ materials in schools are themes that connect this year’s bills to previous sessions. We also face new attacks on student pronouns with a bill allowing school personnel to disregard them, which is nothing short of state-sanctioned bullying. Given the number of bills that passed last year, we have to treat them all as if they could advance. So we have steps that advocates can take each week of the session. An easy way to find them is on Twitter.”

'New York City's only shelter for LGBTQ adults is a 'nightmare,' ex-residents say' & other Fri midday news briefs

New York City's only shelter for LGBTQ adults is 'a nightmare,' ex-residents say - THIS is awful! Trigger warnings for potential readers

Students walk out in protest after being forced to attend anti-LGBTQ group’s Christian revival​ - A certain group of Americans are going just a bit too far. 

This courageous bi high school football player is showing the way for inclusion in a hidebound game - This is why certain people are trying to shut down the voices of LGBTQ youth. 

Prince Harry vows to continue Diana’s HIV work - Good for him! 

Education Department dismisses complaint against BYU over gay dating ban - Oh well.

Hate group leader who linked LGBTQ people with Satan supports Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill

Florida's highly bigoted 'Don't Say Gay' bill would be a disaster to LGBTQ kids and same-sex families. We already know this. Thursday provided more proof.

 It's been vouched for by anti-LGBTQ hate group the Family Research Council.  Notice how FRC president Tony Perkins frames the bill as while criticizing President Biden for condemning it

The bill doesn't protect children. Instead it renders LGBTQ children and same-sex families invisible. And it looks like FRC has already started pushing the message of erasure. No one with prior knowledge about the group should be surprised.

After all, the Family Research Council has been called a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center because its brand is about smearing LGBTQ people via junk science, cherry-picked science and general lies. The purpose is to undermine our rights by making us seem like boogeyman out to wreck Christianity, American society, and, of course 'recruit children.' 

Like when Perkins said that LGBTQ people were 'pawns' of the 'evil one'

 

Or when another FRC spokesman, Peter Sprigg, voiced a desire to kick LGBTQ people out of America 

    

But back to Perkins because he is a veritable sounding board of homophobia. Amongst other attacks against LGBTQ people, he has

Accused the government of backing “the promotion of same-sex relations” as part of its “push for population control.”

Said that “the human race would be extinct” if homosexuality were to become “normal.” 

Defended Uganda’s “kill-the-gays” bill as a “laudable” effort “to uphold moral conduct.” 

Claimed gay youth have a higher suicide rate because they intrinsically know their sexual orientation is “abnormal.”

 Asserted that there is “a correlation between homosexuality and pedophilia” and that pedophilia “is a homosexual problem.”  

Likened homosexuality to alcoholism and drug addiction. 

Said lawmakers who backed the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell have “the blood of innocent soldiers on their hands.”

Florida legislators need to take a long and intricate assessment of their 'don't say gay' bill. They may claim that it won't harm LGBTQ kids or same-sex families, but if someone like Tony Perkins and his group wholeheartedly supports it, you better believe it's gonna hurt.

'These 10 Black LGBTQ candidates could make history in this year's midterms' & other Thur midday news briefs

These 10 Black LGBTQ candidates could make history in this year’s midterms - Hello! The thought of more LGBTQ of color elected officials makes me tingle all over. 

House passes bill seeking to further protect LGBTQ rights around the world - Now it has to get past the Senate (oh lawd!)

Video - Florida returns to the dark days of Anita Bryant with 'Don't Say Gay' bill - Repeating my post from last night. I got the vaseline, headscarfs, and tennis shoes for those of us who want to fight vigorously against this mess. Cause Florida will not be the only state pushing bills like this. 

 Recap of Anti-Transgender Legislation In Progress - My point!

Religious Right’s anger shows hollowness of recent political victories - So true. But the religious right is so deluded, they are going full speed ahead anyway.

Video - Florida returns to the dark days of Anita Bryant with 'Don't Say Gay' bill

In 1977,  spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission and former beauty pageant contestant Anita Bryant led a controversial but highly successful campaign to repeal a Dade County nondiscrimination ordinance. She did so by spreading ugly lies about gay men wanting "access" to children.  Her campaign was the first organized opposition to our rights.

One would think that 45 years later, people wouldn't fall for the same lie. But as the above video from Equality Florida proves, it's easy to fool people repeatedly with the same lie as long as you repackage it, such as with this 'Don't Say Gay' bill moving through the state legislature.

Florida has gone from 1977's 'Save Our Children' to 2022's 'Don't Say Gay' and the only thing we've seemed to have learned is how easy it is to needlessly scare people with horror stories - even implied - about gays and children. 

In some ways, America hasn't changed at all since 1977. And that is depressing.

'FL legislature advances 'don't say gay' bill after DeSantis voices support' & other Wed midday news briefs

Florida Legislature advances "Don't Say Gay" bill after DeSantis backing​ - DeSantis and Florida are simply determined to walk through it all with gasoline underwear. By all means, please do. 

TikTok star Emira D’Spain is Victoria’s Secret’s first Black trans model - Good for her!

In a First, Asian-American Lesbian Confirmed to Ambassador-Level Post - Another achievement!

The Moderna HIV vaccine trials are underway - Keep your fingers crossed.

Biden Administration strongly condemns Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill

From The Hill: 

 The White House on Tuesday condemned a bill making its way through the Florida legislature that would prohibit the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in the state's primary schools.

 "Every parent … hopes that our leaders will ensure their [children's] safety, protection and freedom, and today conservative politicians in Florida rejected those basic values by advancing legislation that is designed to target and attack kids who need that support the most, kids from LGBTQI+ community," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a briefing with reporters. "Make no mistake, this is not an isolated action in Florida," she continued. "Across the country, we’re seeing Republican leaders taking action to regulate what students can or cannot read, what they can or cannot learn, and most troubling, who they can or cannot be. This is who these kids are, and these legislators are trying to make it harder for them to be who they are." 

 Psaki, when asked why the administration was weighing in on state legislation, said the White House felt it was important to speak out against the Florida law. The Parental Rights in Education law, which critics have described as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, would bar discussion of sexual orientation in elementary schools across the state. Republicans argue the discussion of LGBTQ issues is not age appropriate for those students.

Another dangerous component of the bill is that it would force teachers to out LGBTQ youth to their parents, potentially exposing them to homelessness if their parents kick them out of their homes or violence with their parents being the culprits. Unfortunately, in spite of all of the condemnation, the bill continues to be moving forward through the FL legislature.

White House statement on Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill:

“Every parent hopes that our leaders will ensure their children’s safety, protection, and freedom. Today, conservative politicians in Florida rejected those basic values by advancing legislation that is designed to target and attack the kids who need support the most – LGBTQI+ students, who are already vulnerable to bullying and violence just for being themselves. But make no mistake – this is not an isolated action. Across the country, we’re seeing Republican leaders take actions to regulate what students can or cannot read, what they can or cannot learn, and most troubling, who they can or cannot be. This is politics at its worse, cynically treating our students as pawns in a game and not people who deserve love and respect. At every step of the way, Republicans have peddled in cheap, political attacks, instead of focusing on the issues parents, students, and teachers care about.

 Just imagine what it would feel like to be a kid watching the leaders in your state bully you through legislation that tries to erase your existence. These types of attacks are the root cause of the mental health crisis that too many LGBTQI+ children face. The President wants LGBTQI+ young people who may be feeling scared or alone to know that they are loved exactly for who they are, and that he won’t stop fighting for the protections and safety they deserve.

 Instead of making growing up even harder for our young people, President Biden and his Administration are focused on keeping schools open, providing resources to combat learning loss, and supporting students’ mental health. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue speaking out against harmful anti-LGBTQI+ bills and taking steps to protect our nation’s students.”

'Seven out athletes are playing for Team Canada's Women Hockey team' & other Tue midday news briefs

7 out athletes are playing for Team Canada's Women's Hockey team! - I remember when only having one out athlete would be problematic. Seven out Olympic athletes on one team is sweet.

A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards - Thank you conservatives for making schools boards a battle zone. Of course I'm being sarcastic (these days, you always have to specify.) 

This Is What It's Like Going To The Gynecologist When You're Black, Trans And In Texas​ - Thank you for this article, KB Brookins. 

LDS Church supports bipartisan Arizona bill with LGBTQ protections - I'm just as shocked as you. 

16 queer Black trailblazers who made history - And oldie but goodie.

Gov DeSantis supports 'don't say gay' bill which could expose LGBTQ kids to parental abuse

 

FL Gov Ron DeSantis

As vile as this development is, it should surprise no one. The 2024 presidential election will be here sooner than you think and FL Governor Ron DeSantis is eager to bcome the GOP front runner. 

Apparently it doesn't matter if he has to pave his road to the Oval Office with LGBTQ kids.

From The New Civil Rights Movement:

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday for the first time showed support for an anti-LGBTQ bill that bans discussion of LGBTQ issues or topics in schools while forcing teachers to out children to their parents at home. “In terms of the schools, we’ve seen instances of students being told by different folks in school, ‘Oh, you know, don’t worry, don’t pick your gender yet. Do all this other stuff,’” DeSantis said Monday, Florida Politics reports. 

“They won’t tell the parents about these discussions that are happening. That is entirely inappropriate.” DeSantis also said it is “inappropriate” for teachers “to be hiding these things from parents,” meaning issues of sexual orientation or gender identity. “To get into situations where you’re not having the parent (involved), where you’re hiding things from the parent, you’re injecting these concepts about choosing your gender. That is just inappropriate for our schools,” DeSantis reinforced.

DeSantis's tone is one of the problems with the bill. His narrative embraces deliberate omission of LGBTQ parents and same-sex families. And there is a even deadlier problem with the bill which needs more discussion.

As the article notes, the bill forces teachers to out students to their parents because of the narrative that parents know best. However, the sad but unfortunate fact when it comes to LGBTQ kids is that many times, parents don't know best. And sometimes the actions they take after their children are outed are the worst thing which could happen.

Some LGBTQ youth become homeless because they are kicked out by their parents after being outed. And on the streets, they face high risks of physical and sexual abuse, more discrimination, suicidal thoughts, and as well as other negative repercussions.   

According to Lambda Legal:

Between 20% and 40% of all homeless youth in the United States identify as LGBTQ. Frequently rejected by their families or fleeing abusive long-term placements, these youth are too often misunderstood and mistreated by the staff and other residents at temporary shelters. Homeless and runaway LGBTQ youth too often are misunderstood and mistreated by the staff and other residents at temporary shelters. Harassment, assault and even rape within these facilities are common experiences. The data is sobering: half of a sampling of lesbian and gay youth who had been in out-of-home care settings reported that they had spent periods of time living on the streets in preference to the hostile environments they had found in these settings.  Being homeless imperils a young person’s physical and emotional security. 

According to a 2002 study by the University of Washington, LGBTQ homeless youth are physically or sexually victimized on average by seven more people than non-LGBTQ homeless youth. With nowhere to go and no means of support, some may be forced to engage in survival behaviors that place them at significantly higher risk for mental health problems, substance abuse and exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Some of these survival activities, such as sex work, are illegal, leading many LGBTQ homeless youth to encounters with the juvenile justice and delinquency systems.

And in equally ugly situations, having to remain at home after they are outed exposes LGBTQ kids to violence and other forms of abuse. with their parents being the culprits.

Supposedly the bill has a component which says notifications may not happen if it is determined that the child would be exposed to violence in their home. But that part is vague in terms of who makes the determination or its criteria. And LGBTQ kids deserve more than a vague component which sounds more like of a Cover Your Ass protection for the bill instead of genuine protection for them.

By supporting this bill, Gov. DeSantis is saying he doesn't care about the well-being of  LGBTQ kids who are stuck in potentially abusive households or even just as bad, thrown out in the street by their parents. 

In this desire to create more notoriety for themselves and more action from their base,  DeSantis and supporters of the bill seem to be ignoring the fact that kids have rights too - most specifically, the right to feel safe from discrimination, violence and other forms of abuse even if it may from their parents.

Related post - FL 'don't say gay' bill sends message of erasure to LGBTQ kids and same-sex families

'Republicans targeting LGBTQ youth in state legislative sessions' & other Mon midday news briefs

Florida Republicans target LGBTQ youth in 2022 legislative session​ - So it's not just transgender children. The GOP is targeting all LGBTQ kids. 

Lawmakers Target LGBTQ Issues in Schools - And not just in Florida.

16 Penn swimmers issue letter in support of new transgender athlete rules - Right after a letter of support for her. No difficult guesses who or what group is behind THIS letter. 

LGBTQ adults report higher COVID vaccination rates than heterosexual adults, CDC says - Meanwhile. 

This gay NHL fan was attacked and is coming forward to stop homophobia - A terrifying but necessary story.