House Republicans have drafted a law that would prevent teachers from instructing students about LGBTQIA+ identities and issues in the classroom before third grade. This bill was inspired by Fla. Governor Ron Desantis who attempted to pass a law that would end the discussion of sexual orientation and Queer identities from the classroom, which ultimately did not pass but has become a key issue for Republicans.
This new law was introduced by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) and has gained support from House Republicans, however, it is unlikely to pass currently due to the Democrat majority of the House. However, with Midterms coming in the next few weeks, it is expected for Republicans to gain the majority of the house.
This bill is counterproductive and only harms Queer students and individuals who seek to simply exist. Preventing discourse about LGBTQIA+ identities and representation would upkeep the tabooed nature of the LGBTQIA+ community; ultimately pushing the harmful narrative that the Queer community aims to sexualize children and push a hyper-sexual agenda. It is extremely important to have discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation to make sure that LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals do not feel ostracized or part of an out-group where they would grow up resenting themselves for their identity. According to the Trevor Project, 45% of Queer youth contemplate suicide, which is disproportionately higher than the national average for youth.
The notion that Queer education is overtly sexualized is inaccurate and paints the picture that the LGBTQIA+ community is attempting to sexualize children through means of drag queen story times and pushing a pro-sex agenda to young children. This creates an untrue stigma and demonizes the Queer community when, in actuality, all people want is to create a conversation about identity and inclusion.
It is completely understandable for a parent to not want their children to be taught about sex at a young age, but that is not what this attempt for inclusion in classrooms is covering: it’s about representation and creating a more inclusive space for Queer students rather than pushing them out. Republicans are aiming to remove federal funding from schools that carry Queer-inclusive children’s books—which do not “indoctrinate” students but rather simply show Queer identities. Though it is important not to sway children into a certain identity it is, however, important to show representation for marginalized communities.
It is crucial for LGBTQIA+ students to feel represented in all aspects of life, especially in schools where bullying is still present. So, please… Say Gay.
