President Joe Biden showed his continued support of the LGBTQ community last week by taking time to tell young LGBTQ Americans that his administration has their back. The comments came as Florida gears up to pass a “don’t say gay bill” which will prohibit discussing LGBTQ issues in schools for grades deemed too young…however, what criteria Florida will use to deem who is “too young” has yet to be seen, leading many to fear they will try to limit LGBTQ discussions as much as possible.
In response to this, Biden sent out a tweet saying, “I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are. I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve.”
I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are. I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve. https://t.co/OcAIMeVpHL
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2022
Civil rights activists fear Florida’s bill is almost certain to pass since Governor DeSantis has signaled he approves of the bill and will sign it into law. It’s just one of the many bills that have been proposed in the last two years by conservatives to hinder the progress and rights of LGBTQ Americans.
Even worse, this new bill would require schools to disclose a student’s gender identity and sexual orientation to their parents. There’s absolutely no reasoning for this other than to be cruel and hurtful. LGBTQ youth face very real fears about coming out to their families.
According to Lesley University, 40% of the homeless youth population is comprised of those who identify as LGBTQ, despite the fact that LGBTQ individuals make up only about 7% of the total youth population in America, proving that there is a disproportionate number of LGBTQ kids who end up homeless. A lot of this stems from being kicked out of their homes, running away for fear of abuse, or in desperation to find more accepting communities.
To make your voice heard about the ramifications of this disgusting bill, Governor DeSantis’ office can be reached here.
