"I'm understanding a world with a different perspective and it's really tough because it arises a lot of anxiety about the future, for myself and for my educators and for my peers." 'There's not a lot you can do, especially as a kid'Īn Ohio bill, HB 616, is closest in language to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, and it includes a ban on instructional materials and curriculum “on sexual orientation or gender identity,” in addition to bans on instruction around critical race theory, which is not taught in K-12 schools, and intersectionality. "It has severely diminished my mental health," Gomez said. Gomez, who is gay, said experiencing homophobia and discrimination as well as working as an activist have caused him to mature faster than the average senior high school student. Javier Gomez, 18, is one of many students who organized walkouts at schools across Florida in protest of the original "Don't Say Gay" bill.
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LIFELINE CHANGES: LGBTQ advocates hope for 'culturally competent' training with suicide prevention lifeline's shift to 988 "It makes students feel like they're alone," Lauriano said. "It makes us fearful, makes us scared of the future and what it has to offer."įor LGBTQ youth – those who are trans and nonbinary in particular – attacks on support systems and resources can be dire. In the past year, more than half of transgender and nonbinary youths considered attempting suicide, according to a 2021 survey from the Trevor Project, which provides crisis and suicide prevention services for those under 25.īut youths in "affirming" schools, such as those with LGBTQ representation in school curriculums, had nearly 40% lower odds of attempting suicide compared with LGBTQ youths in non-affirming schools, according to the Trevor Project. They also said they feared being discriminated against and worry about the hardship that might follow for them and their peers.
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They shared their feelings of anger and disgust that these spaces are at risk and that their conversations may be policed. USA TODAY spoke with 10 students who identify with the LGBTQ community in states where similar legislation is proposed. "We tried to promote our club to be a safe haven, a place where students can come hang out, talk to one another and feel like they're with their community," Lauriano told USA TODAY. "But when things like this are happening, it completely destroys that idea, and it makes students scared." His peers look to him for guidance, but Lauriano, a gay high school sophomore, is just as worried about the group's future. Since legislation targeting conversations about sexuality, gender identity and LGBTQ-related topics in schools has spread across the country, 15-year-old Jaime Lauriano and his peers in Arizona have felt scared, disheartened and confused.Īs president of his school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance, or Student Alliance for Equality, Lauriano said he frequently fields questions about the future of the club, especially amid a recent state bill that would require guardian permission to participate in student groups involving sexuality, gender, or gender identity.įor many, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance is one of the only spaces where students feel accepted and can fully express their gender and sexuality, he said.
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Students shared with USA TODAY their frustration, confusion and fears for the future as the legislation gains traction.Now LGBTQ youth in many states are facing similar legislation targeting classroom discussion of LGBTQ topics and community spaces.Earlier this year, Florida passed a so-called "Don't Say Gay" law, restricting discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary schools.