Many of these attacks are focused on our schools and could have drastic consequences for gay and transgender educators and students
Right now, I am worried. Like many others in Michigan and across the country, I’ve seen the onslaught of homophobic and transphobic attacks coming at LGBTQ+ kids and adults from all angles, and I know the impact this kind of bigotry can have on people who are already marginalized.
We’ve also seen state Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, deliver an alarming prayer alluding to LGBTQ+ people’s existence as a “dark force” threatening our kids. And, of course, the problem isn’t limited to our state, as numerous others where Republicans have full control are in the process of enacting explicitly anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Many of these attacks are focused on our schools and could have drastic consequences for gay and transgender educators and students. One of the most prominent examples is Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which has inspired copycat legislation in more than a dozen other states.
Republican lawmakers who support these policies have tactically employed language like “grooming” and “pedophilia” in connection with gay and trans’ folks very existence. This is nothing short of fascist propaganda, and lawmakers’ conscious decision to use such inaccurate, inflammatory rhetoric is unacceptable.
We cannot stand by and let hate win. Each one of us has the power to make a difference by supporting our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors, challenging homophobia and transphobia we encounter in our day-to-day lives, and speaking out against lawmakers’ efforts to turn back the clock on the progress our nation has made.