The Ongoing Fight for the LGBTQ Community

While the LGBTQIA+ community has witnessed increased progression throughout the years, there are still many issues that need to be discussed and handled, including the “Don’t say gay” bill. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, signed the “Parental Rights in Education” law, aka the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, in March 2022. The rule forbids kindergarten through third-grade teachers from talking to students about “sexual orientation or gender identity.” Not only that, but The Bill’s chief proponent and author, Joe Harding, said that its goals are to “empower parents” and “create boundaries at an early age of what is appropriate in our schools.” Because this bill is prioritizing the perspective of the parents, we can see how easy it is to forget the victims of this bill, the children. The Bill could have negative effects on Florida’s LGBTQ+ students’ emotional health. When lawmakers dismiss LGBTQ+ subjects, it only serves to exacerbate the prejudice and bigotry already in place, which puts LGBTQ+ youth at an increased risk of being bullied, depressed, and suicidal. This Bill makes schools for LGBTQ+ students into dangerous places where they must conceal their sexuality, which violates the rights of students, as they should feel safe and secure in a school environment. The “Don’t Say Gay” law would restrict children’s chances to learn about significant historical events and erase the lives of countless significant people who came before them, children deserve to learn about these concepts and should at least have the opportunity to explore their nature.
At first, the bill in short, “faced instant criticism and disapproval. President Biden called the bill “hateful.” Chasten Buttigieg, a former teacher, and husband of the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, heavily criticized the Bill, tweeting that it “will kill kids.” A poll from the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida found that only 40% of Floridians supported the bill, while 49% of Florida residents opposed it. Critics were particularly disturbed by a proposed amendment to the Bill, which would require Florida school principals to “out” students to their parents within six weeks of their revealing their gender identity or sexual orientation at school. (THE DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES OF… ON LGBTQ+ YOUTH IN FLORIDA, Johnson). One might ask what the motive behind the creation of this bill is, but the actual drivers are unknown, but it is widely assumed that they stem from a desire to limit discussion of LGBTQ+ problems in classrooms. While some bill supporters may be motivated by a desire to advance traditional gender roles and heteronormativity, others may believe that discussing LGBTQ+ topics in schools is unsuitable or even detrimental to children. Statements like those are perceived to be homophobic, with a valid reason, because the only thing that seems to stem from this bill is negativity. The whole entirety of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill is homophobic because it tries to eliminate and silence the experiences and existence of LGBTQ+ people from the educational system and because it spreads false and damaging beliefs and stereotypes about LGBTQ+ concerns. Adding on to that, because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBTQ+ people have historically experienced exclusion, assault, and prejudice. Promoting social justice and striving to remove institutional obstacles that restrict LGBTQ+ people’s chances and freedoms are key components of supporting homosexual rights.
Not many people know too much about the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, hence it should be made more public and known. It’s crucial to consider this because it could substantially impact the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their allies in Florida. The measure would restrict access to materials and information that are essential to the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people and it would foster a climate that is hostile and stigmatizing for LGBTQ+ pupils. The law has also drawn criticism for being unconstitutional and for infringing on instructors’ and students’ First Amendment rights. The “Don’t Say Gay” bill is an illustration of the continued difficulties LGBTQ+ people encounter in terms of prejudice and discrimination. People need to be aware of the law to support LGBTQ+ rights and fight to build a society that is more welcoming of everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill is viewed negatively by many people for several reasons. First of all, it would restrict teachers’ capacity to establish a secure and welcoming learning environment for all kids, including LGBTQ+ children. By limiting the discussion of LGBTQ+ concerns, the law may contribute to a climate of stigma and silence surrounding these subjects, making it more challenging for students to get the support they require when they do. Second, by conveying the message that LGBTQ+ students’ identities and experiences are not recognized in the classroom, the measure may further stigmatize LGBTQ+ students themselves. These students, who already experience disproportionate rates of bullying, harassment, and suicide in comparison to their straight and cisgender peers, may suffer detrimental effects on their mental health as a result. “One factor with personal and contextual manifestations that is relevant in the lives of LGBTQ parent families is minority stress (Brooks, 1992; Meyer, 1995). Minority stress describes the added stress that people from marginalized groups experience related to the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination they encounter because of their identities and lesser social power. Discriminatory laws at the distal level may trickle down to more proximal settings (e.g., community, schools), creating a sense of disharmony between individuals and the oppressive social context in which they live, resulting in stress.” (LGBTQ parent concerns and parent-child communication… in Florida, Goldberg).
A secure and inviting atmosphere must be created for all kids, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and including LGBTQ subjects in schools helps to foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance. This can encourage respect and empathy among all students and lessen stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ pupils.
By including LGBTQ issues in the curriculum, schools can guarantee that children are informed fairly and accurately about the range of sexual orientations and gender identities. This can foster knowledge and appreciation of diversity while busting myths and preconceptions. In a broader picture, all students need to understand LGBTQ issues and civil rights because it fosters critical thinking and equips them to be informed and active citizens. Understanding LGBTQ issues is crucial for advancing social justice and equality since they are vital components of civil rights and legal safeguards.
In the context of safety, children need to feel protected and appreciated to grow and thrive. When students worry about their safety, fear bullying, or don’t feel their teachers have strong expectations for them to succeed, learning suffers.
“Don’t say gay” measures can affect the outcome for LGBTQ families, especially parents who may worry that their identity or relationship will be stigmatized or ostracized. This can limit the resources and help available to LGBTQ families, while also creating barriers to acceptance and understanding in the school environment. Children of LGBTQ parents can also struggle if their family structure is not recognized and respected. UCLA School of Law Williams Institute demonstrates the result of this “More than half of LGBTQ+ parents surveyed considered moving out of Florida because of the bill.” Which can have a heavy impact on the LGBTQ community in Florida. LGBTQ students may experience hostility in the classroom when LGBTQ issues are neglected or ignored. Ignorance and misinformation can be the cause of increased bullying, harassment, and discrimination. It can also reduce the ability of LGBTQ children to seek help from teachers, counselors, or administrators, increasing their vulnerability and isolation. This can also be related to “Almost one-quarter of parents said they feared harassment by neighbors because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.” Finally, the measure has come under fire for violating the free speech rights of educators and students by limiting their ability to voice their opinions and have meaningful discussions on significant social and political topics. This can be related to “LGBTQ+ parents voiced a variety of concerns about how Don’t Say Gay would affect their children, including restricting them from speaking freely about their families, negatively impacting their sense of legitimacy, and encouraging a hostile school climate that would negatively impact their children.” Also “LGBTQ+ parents with LGBTQ+ children voiced intense concerns as they worried about their children’s ability to talk freely about their own and their parents’/family’s identities. Indeed, 13% said that their children had expressed fears about the future related to living in Florida as LGBTQ+ youth.” which both demonstrates the fears and concerns going on in these families.
Regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone has a right to be treated with respect and dignity. Understanding homosexual issues and advocating for them means valuing and respecting the human rights of LGBTQ+ people. This relates to “Americanism, Un-Americanism, and the Gay Rights Movement” written by Simon Hall speaks about the fight for LGBTQ rights has seen progress and resistance. Debates about what “American values” are and what it means to be “un-American” have often been central. Here the following quote is provided “including the attempt by California State Senator John Briggs to exclude gay teachers from public schools” which relates to the “Dont say Gay bill” because both cases illustrate past beliefs and difficulties that the LGBTQ community has faced in the United States.”Don’t say gay” laws and the Briggs initiative are two examples of efforts to exclude and stigmatize members of the LGBTQ community in educational institutions. They illustrate the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equality, representing historical conflicts over LGBTQ visibility, representation, and rights. While there are still hurdles to overcome and work to be done to advance LGBTQ rights and inclusion in schools, the rejection of Briggs’ initiative shows that the LGBTQ community is moving closer to equality and inclusion.
In conclusion, educating oneself about and advocating for LGBT rights is not only morally correct from the standpoint of human rights, but it also benefits people, communities, and society at large. Equal treatment of all individuals is a key component of human rights. Therefore, regardless of a person’s unique situation, they should be treated with respect, dignity, and kindness. Not only that, but children need to feel protected and appreciated to grow and thrive. Students are interested and willing to take intellectual risks in a positive, encouraging environment.

Revision- Educating the public about the potential impact of the “Don’t Say Gay” law on the lives of LGBTQ people and their allies in Florida is imperative due to ignorance. This practice would make it difficult for LGBT students to access resources and information important to their health and well-being while fostering a hostile and stigmatizing environment. The bill also drew criticism for violating the Constitution and violating the First Amendment rights of teachers and students. The ongoing barriers of prejudice and discrimination faced by LGBT people are best exemplified by the Don’t Say Gay Act. People can actively advocate for LGBTQ rights and strive to build a more inclusive society that accepts people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity by raising awareness of this law. The negative response to this bill is justified for several reasons.

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