#Empower LGBTQ Youth

[melanatedmedia2]

Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth: Resources and Supportive Communities for the Next Generation

As we commemorate Pride Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of LGBTQ+ youth. Nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment for the next generation is pivotal, and in this blog post, we delve into the resources and communities that empower LGBTQ+ youth. Understanding the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ youth is the first step toward providing…

[aaa-battery-not-rechargeable]

i met a queer high schooler today, at my job

throughout the interaction i had with them, i watched them become more relaxed and open, simply seeing me as a queer adult doing my job

i sort of feel like i served as an example for that student, of a queer person existing successfully in society.

i could pick up on their habits mannerisms and fashion, and related my own experiences to that. they were visibly disabled, so i wanted to ease their mind about accessibility concerns in the building, so i mentioned my heart condition and trouble with walking up stairs. they were immediately more comfortable. we used the elevator

i complimented their nonbinary pride flag bracelet, and pushed my hair aside so they could see my name badge with my pronouns, and they smiled.

it's so freeing to be seen without the expectation for any explanation, and i know that so i wanted to give them that peace of mind. i wanted to show them that the world outside of high school is survivable. hope is not crushed, i am here, i am visibly queer, and so it is possible for them too.

[itgetsbetterproject]

🌈 DIGITAL PRIDE is back for 2024 and this time we're building an entire PRIDE VILLAGE in Minecraft!

Not all LGBTQ+ youth have access to in-person Pride events or parades.

Not all LGBTQ+ youth are out and open about their identities.

But everyone is welcome to join Digital Pride virtually - that's why we're bringing it back for a 5th year!

🟣 Starting June 6, some of your fave Minecraft creators will be joining a charity build relay as they stream builds that represent what Pride means to them to create a collective Pride Village. Lineup reveal coming soon, promise!

🟣 Then, on June 13, you can join us on our Twitch channel for the grand finale event as we open the server so you can join our super cozy virtual space for LGBTQ+ youth to connect with community virtually!

🟣 And of course, you can watch more Pride streams from our It Gets Better Ambassadors on our Twitch channel all month long in June.

Plus, the extra good stuff: All of our Digital Pride streams and activations throughout June will serve as fundraisers to support our work to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe.

Can't wait to start building this cozy, virtual safe space with you all!

[see-arcane]

What is there to say?

I am afraid. I am angry.

For the second time this country has shamed itself and put the world in jeopardy from its example. Other monsters will be empowered and run ahead with their own nations. Now, short of a miracle which I do not hold my breath for, we must hold on for four years to see if one of Trump’s infinite ugly promises holds true—will we even get to have a presidential election in the future? Supposing we do, can we even trust that our fellow Americans won’t damn us again?

I am afraid. I am angry.

Sickness and blame boil in me. I did everything I could. I voted, I informed, I pleaded. I know that my friends have too. But the news tells me it was not just the electoral college that failed us, but the popular vote. Which tells me that we live surrounded by more ignorance and hate than I ever expected. We live in a country where eligible voters are steeped in an ideology that aligns enough with the poison of Project 2025 that it makes me fear to trust anyone—anyone—around me ever again. And it makes me wonder, in light of the turnout, how many people stayed at home and simply chose not to vote. Chose not to sully themselves with the effort of choosing the lesser evil. I am looking at you. We are all looking at you. Do you feel smart now? Do you feel superior? Do you plan to pat your back today for ‘teaching them a lesson?’ Do you have a plan to save us? To save the rest of the world from the ripple of this? Tell me you do. I’m listening.

I am afraid. I am angry.

I am not prophesizing doom. But I have a memory that goes back at least eight whole years. I understand the concepts of hindsight and foresight. I know that everything the Republicans say they wish to do to us, they mean to do, and want to do worse. That is the truth. That is who they are and what they want. I know this. I accept this as fact. The stages of grief have been cycled through before, remember? There is no denial. No bargaining. My calluses are still here. They must harden thicker now.

I am afraid. I am angry.

I am thinking, of all things, of cosmic horror. More, cosmic insignificance. I always do in the face of reality’s grandest nightmares. A useless perspective except to give scale to things. I am less than an atom in the sea of space. A fraction of a fraction of a fraction of meat and time and breath on a crumb of mud in a galaxy tucked haphazardly in a corner of an infinity of stars and darkness. My life, like all lives, is a flicker. Barely there. Death is inevitable. I must live like I know it. And to devote myself wholly to horror, even in the face of the unthinkable, is to waste the rest of what I have, what I am. Gods fall from the sky and raise their heads from the sea, and I am still here. Reading. Writing. Breathing. Thinking. Hating.

(“HATE. LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH I'VE COME TO HATE THEM SINCE I SAW THE NEWS. THERE WERE 71,071,013 VOTES FOR HIM THIS YEAR. IF THE WORD HATE WAS ENGRAVED ON EACH OF THOSE BALLOTS IN 8 PT FONT ON BOTH SIDES AND PRINTED AGAIN FROM THE EAST COAST TO THE WEST, IT WOULD NOT EQUAL ONE ONE-BILLIONTH OF THE HATE I FEEL FOR MY COUNTRY AT THIS MICRO-INSTANT. FOR THEM. HATE. HATE.”)

I am afraid. I am angry.

Nauseous to find that the first thing I did upon learning the results was look up suicide hotlines. Not for me—I have saved myself too long with fact: Wait long enough, death will come eventually. Do not jump ahead in line.—but for those who I know are afraid enough to overwhelm the anger, to drown out all else, and who are thinking of the next four years and who knows how much longer. I know you’re out there. I know you are looking at the pills in your cupboard, at the veins of your arm, at the black tunnel of the gun. Look away. Look here.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth)

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 (for the transgender community)

I am afraid. I am angry.

I am alive. Here and now, whether I like it or not. I despair for myself, for my friends, for strangers across the country and the globe who can feel the full and loathsome weight of all this election implies about those around us. Those who hold our lives in their hands and will do all they can to wring them dry in earnest. How did things turn to this? How did it all sink so low, so awful, so venomously backwards against education and empathy? How, how, how? A missing stage of the grieving process: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance, and Confused disappointment.

I am afraid. I am angry.

The morning is sunless, of course. There will be no light for another hour as I write this. But time is passing. Second by minute by hour. And each micro-instant that accrues in which I am here and myself, existing outside the red mold they want, is another moment that would anger them. To let despair crush and collapse me out of shape, out of life and its facets, is a victory I will not cede to anyone. Least of all to them. I will go on, because I must go on. I will be myself, for that is an affront to all they want from me. I will think and act and make and be for as long and fully as I can. Because fuck them.

I am afraid. I am angry.

I am not alone. I know that too, for the numbers show it. Afraid, angry. But never alone. Neither are you.

I am afraid. I am angry.

I am here. I am holding your hand.

I am afraid. I am angry.

I love you more than I fear anything.

I am afraid. I am angry.

I love you more than I hate anyone.

I am afraid. I am angry.

Let’s go.

[crossdreamers]

Disney has removed a transgender storyline from Pixar's upcoming animated series Win or Lose

Disney has removed a transgender storyline from Pixar's upcoming animated series Win or Lose, scheduled for release on Disney+ in December 2024.

The series, which follows a middle school softball team, originally included a transgender character voiced by actress Chanel Stewart.

While the character remains, dialogues referencing gender identity have been cut. A Disney spokesperson stated that the decision allows parents to discuss such topics with their children on their own terms.

“I was very disheartened,” says Stewart. “From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth. I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard.”

The trans actress Chanel Stewart expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of transgender representation in media.

This move aligns with Disney's recent pattern of modifying or removing LGBTQ+ content, including the shelving of an episode of Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur featuring a transgender athlete storyline.

As far as kid's TV is concerned, it looks like Disney is surrendering to the Republican transphobia. That is sad. So sad.

Pixar’s upcoming series ‘Win or Lose’ once promised a groundbreaking moment for transgender representation in children's animation. However, Disney has cut dialogue acknowledging a trans character’s identity.

Disney Pulls Transgender Storyline from Pixar’s ‘Win or Lose’ Streaming Series

‘Win Or Lose’ Transgender Actress Speaks Out After Disney Cuts Her Storyline: “Very Disheartened”

[interactyouth]

interACT Files Supreme Court Amicus Brief Opposing Healthcare Ban that Endorses Invasive Medical Interventions on Intersex Children

interACT has filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case U.S.A. v. Skrmetti, opposing a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming healthcare that endorses invasive medical interventions on intersex children. Because every state law to date that bans gender-affirming care also contains an explicit “intersex exception,” the Supreme Court’s decision in this case will have far-reaching implications for the medical autonomy of transgender and intersex young people across the United States. interACT is the nation’s only organization dedicated exclusively to advancing the legal and human rights of youth born with intersex traits. Our core mission is to empower intersex youth in the charge to end the practice of nonconsensual and medically unnecessary medical interventions that have for generations been carried out on the bodies of intersex babies and children. This amicus brief was a collaboration between interACT, the Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic, and the New York City-based law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler, LLP. interACT is deeply grateful for the skillful contributions of our colleagues, and their generous support of this underserved community.

[duckprintspress]

In honor of the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – June 28th, 1969 – Duck Prints Press is thrilled to share with you how we’re celebrating Pride Month: with queer stories, of course!

Introducing our Pride 2023 Bundles: two collections of short stories, one general imprint, one erotica, each priced at a discounted $19.69, with all purchases benefiting two wonderful queer charities selected by the authors of the stories in the bundles: The Ali Forney Center and the Transgender Law Center.

We’ll be donating roughly 35% of the proceeds from these bundles to charity – the Press is donating 10% off the top, and many of the authors chose to donate part of their royalties as well, bringing the totals to approximately 40% of the list price of the erotica collection and approximately 35% of the list price of the general imprint collection.

How This Works

you buy one or both bundles between now and July 28th, 2023.

we tally up all the proceeds earned and do some math-e-magic to figure out how much we’re donating!

we divide the charity share in half right down the middle and, within the first week of August, we donate raised money to the Ali Forney Center and the Transgender Law Center; then, we post the proof we’ve done so.

you get fantastic stories!

we all get that happy, glowy feeling of knowing that money has been well-spent on fantastic causes!

About the Press

Duck Prints Press is a queer-owned indie press, founded to publish original works by fancreators. We’ve been in operation for over 2 years, and in that time we’ve worked with well over 150 creators to publish four anthologies and almost 70 other stories, from shorts to novels, and we’ve got more on the works (our fifth anthology is Kickstarting RIGHT NOW, as a matter of fact!). The vast majority of our creators and their creations are queer/LGTBQIA+ (maybe even all, but we don’t out anyone and we don’t ask demography because, frankly, it’s none of our business).

20 of our authors have chosen to include their short stories in one or both of these short story bundles, and these 20 and others nominated charities, then voted to narrow it down to these two! Participation in these bundles was entirely voluntarily, as was choosing to donate shares of royalties, which about a third of the authors have opted to do.

About the Charities

Note: These charities are not affiliated with the Press, do not know we’re doing this fundraiser, have not endorsed this in anyway and are, as such, utterly uninvolved in this beyond being the beneficiaries of our efforts! Text is from the websites of each charity and is being used under fair use laws.

The Ali Forney Center was founded in 2002. Committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people, our mission is to protect them from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently. A 24-hour program, The Ali Forney Center never closes its doors. We provide more than just a bed and food for those in need — from initial intake at our drop-in center to transitional housing and job readiness training, we provide homeless LGBTQ+ youth a safe, warm, supportive environment to escape the streets [of New York City].

Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Since 2002 we’ve been organizing, assisting, informing and empowering thousands of individual community members towards a long-term, national, trans-led movement for liberation.

About the Bundles

(this is getting long, so read more...)

We’re offering two bundles: one containing 14 stories from our general imprint, the other containing 11 stories from our erotica imprint. For all the deets, you’ll need to visit the page for each story, but here’s an overview…

Titles in the General Imprint Charity Bundle:

A Mutual Interest by Alec J. Marsh

The Problem with Wishes by Annabeth Lynch

Let the Solstice Come by D. V. Morse

Warmer Lights by Era J. M. Couts

An Odd Gathering of Peculiar Cats by J. D. Harlock

Dead Man’s Bells by Nicola Kapron

Widow’s Black by Nina Waters

twin flames by nottesilhouette

A Shield for the People by Puck Malamud

Much Ruckus by R. L. Houck

Bubble, Bubble by Sage Mooreland

Settling Down by Theresa Tanner

Best Friends AND… by Tris Lawrence

To Fill My Cup by Violet J. Hayes

Approximately 35% of the $19.69 list price of this bundle will go to the charities.

Titles in the Erotica Imprint Charity Bundle:

Pas de Deux by Aeryn Jemariel Knox

Study Hall by Alec J. Marsh

A Safe Place to Land by boneturtle

Clerical Error by Dei Walker

In the Moonlight by E. V. Dean

We All Need to Get By by Lyn Weaver

The Fated Prince by Mikki Madison

Lust by Nina Waters

No One Right Way by R. L. Houck

Easier Than Expected by Samantha M. Piper

Urchin Juiced by Xianyu Zhou

Approximately 40% of the $19.69 list price of this bundle will go to the charities.

What are you waiting for? Come get some great stories, support a queer-owned business this Pride, and benefit two fantastic causes. Win-win-win situations don’t get much better than this!

These bundles will only be available for one month, so don’t miss out. Visit our webstore between now and July 28th and get yours!

[unbindingisaac]

The Realization

Gender Fluid

I was 15 or 16 in when I first heard the term "gender fluid" in 2015. From what I understood, gender fluidity is when a person sometimes identifies as/feels female, sometimes identifies as/feels males, and/or sometimes identifies as/feels neither male nor female (or perhaps both male and female or something in between). Every weird, conflicting feeling suddenly made sense to me: maybe I'm not just a girl--maybe I'm also partially a boy. I started reading more about nonbinary gender identities and tips for exploring my own gender identity. One day, not long after learning about gender fluidity, I asked my older sister if it mattered to her whether I wore a dress or a tux at my hypothetical future wedding. She said that it didn't matter to her and that she would support me no matter what. That conversation gave me the push I needed to start exploring and expressing who I am.

(me wearing my grandfather's hat; my dad's vest is hanging on the chair behind me because I'd been trying it on)

It wasn't long before I realized how much more comfortable I felt when I let go of the idea of being a cis woman, and I started becoming more and more detached from the concept of girl/womanhood as a whole. This thought popped into my head more and more: Am I a boy?

Am I a Boy?

By mid-summer of 2015, I really started questioning whether or not I was actually a trans boy instead of a gender fluid person. I looked up tons of online quizzes about "how to tell if you're trans" and watched videos of trans guys explaining their life stories and answering questions. I joined a WhatsApp group for trans teens and started testing out using he/him pronouns online. I started wearing even more masculine clothing and getting more masculine haircuts.

When I showed up for the annual family reunion that summer, the first thing anybody said to me was, "you look like a boy!" That made me so happy. My mom and I also went on a bunch of college tours that summer, and I insisted upon wearing a tie and button-up shirt everywhere we went.

But I could feel tension in my family over how I looked, and I was incredibly intimidated and depressed by the idea of actually coming out and transitioning to male. Transitioning seemed like an impossible challenge--to make the leap and come out seemed so hard, but to stay the same seemed even harder. My mental health deteriorated. At the end of the summer, I told my therapist about thinking that I might be trans and that I was so upset about it that I felt like a danger to myself. My therapist called my parents in to express concerns over my mental health, and on the way home from that appointment, I told my parents that I thought I was trans. It was a very tense and emotional moment, and my parents seemed angry. They encouraged me to reconsider and said, "You only have one more year left of high school, you should wait before you make any changes." I felt that I knew who I was, but the response from my parents made me feel like it wasn't the right time to come out, so I decided to stay in the closet until I could figure out what to do.

Life in the Closet

So, I stayed in the closet outwardly but inwardly continued to identify myself as male. I figured that, if I couldn't come out as trans, I might as well come out as a lesbian (despite me not being a lesbian/not being mainly attracted to girls/women). Coming out as a lesbian seemed like a loophole that would make it acceptable for me to have a masculine presentation.

There were a couple of LGBTQ+ youth groups within a 45-minute drive from me that I started attending, and I shared my feelings with them. My parents were worried that the people at these groups would encourage me to transition, so they weren't thrilled about me going to these groups. My solution was to start my own group--I spent months petitioning my high school and was able to start a gay-straight alliance (GSA).

(original poster for the GSA)

I thought that creating the GSA would empower me to come out, but it just never felt like the right time. Other students in the group started coming out, and I was too nervous to steal anybody's thunder or to make that leap myself. Outside of school, I tried to come out to my parents multiple times by saying, "Could we try using he/him pronouns for me?" or, "Could you try referring to me as your son?" This just created more and more tension. When my sister started a new school, my mom refused to take me in public with them for 6 months in case anybody saw me and it negatively impacted my sister's social life, and I could only go with them if I dressed femininely. I gave being a girl another shot, but it felt embarrassing and uncomfortable.

That phase didn't last long. To make a long story short, I started college and felt so much despair and unhappiness. I kept trying to come out, but nobody understood me or would respect my requests. I tried just saying I was agender because I thought that would make it easier, but it didn't. After going in and out of psychiatric hospitals, I moved into a youth shelter at the age of 17. That's where I finally had the courage to start...

Coming Out and Beginning My Transition

[unbidden-yidden-deactivated20240]

Anyway, just for anyone following along at home, here are some orthodox organizations that are working on gender and sexuality issues within the broader orthodox community:

[blueharborhq]

The Weissberg Law Firm's Charity Luncheon.

Join us for a Charity Luncheon benefitting Bright Sparks, an organization committed to empowering the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, education, and support services. Your presence and contribution are crucial in helping us achieve our goals. Enjoy a delicious lunch while connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for giving back. $15 cover charge with additional donations greatly appreciated! Hosted by the Weissberg Law Firm.

IC DETAILS.

Location: Cantwell Country Club.

Date: Sunday September 29th.

Time: 11am - 3pm.

This event will take place at the Cantwell Country Club in the Lakeside Banquet Hall. Guests will be required to purchase a $15 dollar plate to partake in the wonderful buffet supplied by La Galleria and The Mango Tree. Each plate purchased will contribute directly to funding Bright Sparks and their mission to foster a safe community with their support services, educational workshops, art therapy classes, and unhoused youth shelter. As part of the event, we’ll have inspiring speakers and stories that highlight the impact of your support

Please adhere to the club's dress code.

OOC DETAILS.

Event Length: Friday September 27th — Wednesday October 2nd.

Start time: 5pm ( EST ), 10pm ( GMT ).

This event is voluntary. If you are participating in the event, previous threads do not have to be paused or dropped. You can continue with normal interactions as usual.

Please tag all event related starters with our tag, #event.bh, and be sure to give some love to available open starters if applicable!

Any questions regarding this event can be directed to @saulweissberg or the main.

[anarcho-catboyism]

Reblog This Please

An article has come out about The Trevor Project which includes damning reports about union busting, "misplacing" 50 MILLION DOLLARS, Calls from trans people or parents of trans youth going unanswered and more

If you know of the Trevor Project I highly recommend giving this a read.

As sad as it is, this is a normal path for charity projects.

Charity projects do not help in the end, or if they do help, they will crumble under the weight of top down organization and the greed of those running the Charity. Charities always find themselves lining the pockets of the people at the very top before expenses trickle down to the on-the-ground care.

We need to move away from Charity and instead focus on Mutual Aid.

Charity means relying on the good will of the rich and those in authority to give us help by the "Good of their hearts", but when we ask too much, or rather, when the EMPLOYEES ask too much, then the Charity is quick to remind them and us that in the end IT IS ANOTHER BUSINESS.

Mutual Aid is community work. Mutual Aid is horizontally organized. No rich person collecting funds at the top. No limits in the care provided. Mutual Aid is when a person, a group, or a community comes together to provide Aid to each other and to others, to strengthen community ties, and to protect each other. Mutual Aid is fluid and unbound by the liberal chains of the capitalism system, unlike Charity.

Mutual Aid can be anything from providing DIY hrt supplies to transgender youth in states where HRT access is banned. Mutual Aid can be providing shelter and emergency asylum to queer people in aggressively anti-queer areas. Mutual Aid is talking to all of the gardeners in your area and agreeing to freely provide excess harvest to each other and other community members. Mutual Aid is providing Narcan to homeless communities. Mutual Aid is blocking bulldozers from rolling into your local park to uproot the forest for a cop training center. Mutual Aid is de-arresting someone who's being brutalized by the police. Mutual Aid is fluid, Mutual Aid is unbound, and Mutual Aid empowers the People over the Authority.

[denimbex1986]

'...This year the awards ceremony, which champions media that promotes LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance, has a whopping 310 nominees across 33 categories.

Among this year’s nominees are films like All Of Us Strangers and Red, White, and Royal Blue, TV series like Yellowjackets, Heartstopper, and Fellow Travelers, and reality series like Queer Eye and The Ultimatum: Queer Love...

Across 2023 and 2024, GLAAD has heavily campaigned for more trans and non-binary stories to be told across the media in an effort to combat the concerning number of bills targeting trans youth and trans healthcare in the US.

This year, the organisation notes that a wide range of their award nominees have centered trans and non-binary people and issues “in timely nuanced, and empowering ways.”

Of the 30 TV shows nominated across categories like Outstanding New TV Series, Outstanding Comedy Series, and Outstanding Drama Series, 10 feature trans or non-binary characters.

They include popular releases like Our Flag Means Death, Doctor Who, Sex Education, and 9-1-1 Lone Star...'

[aaa-battery-not-rechargeable]

remind me to go on a rant about this later but I love working in childcare and there being a whole bunch of queer kids openly expressing their queerness

the earth is healing

[itgetsbetterproject]

🏳️‍⚧️ We're trying to raise $200,000 for LGBTQ+ youth programs before the end of the year! 🏳️‍🌈 Wanna help?

As they grow up in a world that wants to keep them down, LGBTQ+ youth are fighting to be themselves. But we believe young, queer people shouldn’t have to be "brave" just to exist.

By making a donation to support our programs, you're showing that you believe in the better world that we can create together.

Over the past couple years, the support we've gotten from some amazing donors has enabled us to support queer youth in SO many ways, like:

Granting LGBTQ+ students more than $1.2 million to imagine and create their own safe spaces and resources in schools across the US and Canada through 50 States, 50 Grants.

Creating award-winning content series educating LGBTQ+ youth on safe sex ed, inclusive terminology, careers in STEM, as well as tons more educational and mental health resources.

Handing LGBTQ+ youth the mic to advocate for themselves — at national conferences, on our award-winning Twitch vodcast Perfectly Queer, on social media, and in interviews with major news outlets...

...and so much more that you can see on itgetsbetter.org!

🟣 If you believe in "better" the way we do and want to help us keep doing this work to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the world, you can make a donation here!

[jessie-lou]

If you haven't heard, the authors of KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act) revealed an amended version this week. However, according to the EFF, these amendments do not make any meaningful changes to the bill. It is still at its core a censorship bill that would further empower state officials to target a huge array of online content they don't like.

As one might expect, the people most vulnerable to the harm this bill would do include:

"LGBTQ+ Youth will be at risk of having content, educational material, and their own online identities erased.  

Young people searching for sexual health and reproductive rights information will find their search results stymied. 

Teens and children in historically oppressed and marginalized groups will be unable to locate information about their history and shared experiences. 

Activist youth on either side of the aisle, such as those fighting for changes to climate laws, gun laws, or religious rights, will be siloed, and unable to advocate and connect on platforms.  

Young people seeking mental health help and information will be blocked from finding it, because even discussions of suicide, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders will be hidden from them. 

Teens hoping to combat the problem of addiction—either their own, or that of their friends, families, and neighbors, will not have the resources they need to do so.  

Any young person seeking truthful news or information that could be considered depressing will find it harder to educate themselves and engage in current events and honest discussion. 

Adults in any of these groups who are unwilling to share their identities will find themselves shunted onto a second-class internet alongside the young people who have been denied access to this information."

Here is a link from the EFF that will help you tell your local reps to oppose KOSA.  

[inside0ut-dotnet]

Empowering Equality: LGBTQ Representation in Government

The U.S. elected its first openly gay public official in 1974 when Kathy Kozachenko, then a student at the University of Michigan, won a seat on the Ann Arbor City Council. Now, a half-century later, more than a thousand lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people have become elected officials and government leaders, and there have been at least seven out LGBTQ heads of state globally.

Why is LGBTQ representation in government important?

The importance of LGBTQ representation in government can be summed up in this adage: “If you don't have a seat at the table, you're probably on the menu.”

Zooey Zephyr made history in 2022 by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the Montana Legislature. Her victory in securing a seat in the state House of Representatives marked a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community. Zephyr gained national attention when state Republicans prevented her from speaking on the House floor due to her advocacy for transition-related medical care for transgender youths. Despite facing obstacles, Zephyr remained steadfast in her commitment to championing trans rights and fighting for equality.

By breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, Zephyr's election serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and representation in government. Her presence in the Montana Legislature paves the way for greater inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in politics.

As the first openly transgender person to hold a legislative position in Montana, Zephyr's historic win is a testament to her resilience and determination. She serves as an inspiration to countless individuals who may have previously felt marginalized or underrepresented in the political sphere.

Maura Healey, a Massachusetts Democrat, achieved a significant milestone in November 2022 by becoming the first openly lesbian individual to be elected as a governor. Her groundbreaking win not only marked a personal achievement but also symbolized progress and inclusivity in the political landscape. Healey's victory was a historic moment for the LGBTQ community, as she dedicated her win to inspiring young individuals who may have previously felt marginalized or underrepresented in politics. Her success serves as a beacon of hope for every little girl and young LGBTQ person, showing them that their identities should never limit their aspirations. Following Healey's win, Tina Kotek of Oregon also made history by being elected as the state's governor, making the U.S. home to two lesbian governors. This dual achievement highlights the increasing diversity and representation in political leadership, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Healey's journey to the governorship is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and commitment to public service. As a trailblazer in her own right, she has shattered stereotypes and broken barriers, proving that authenticity and competence are the true markers of leadership.

Mauree Turner at 27 years old, made history by becoming the first openly nonbinary state legislator in U.S. history. In 2020, Turner secured a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater representation in government. Mauree Turner's groundbreaking win not only made them the first openly nonbinary state legislator but also the first Muslim lawmaker to serve in the Oklahoma Legislature. This dual identity brings a unique perspective to the table, representing marginalized communities that have long been underrepresented in politics. Turner's victory is a significant milestone in the fight for diversity and inclusion in government. By breaking down barriers and challenging traditional norms, Turner's presence in the Oklahoma House of Representatives sends a powerful message of acceptance and progress. Since taking office, Mauree Turner has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and equality for all. Their presence in the Oklahoma Legislature has brought attention to important issues and sparked conversations about the importance of representation in government.

Mauree Turner's historic journey serves as an inspiration to all those who have been underrepresented and marginalized. By fearlessly stepping into the political arena, Turner has shown that anyone can make a difference and create positive change in their community.

Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has made significant strides in American politics, breaking barriers and making history along the way.

In 2020, Buttigieg made headlines as the first openly gay person to win a presidential nominating contest when he emerged victorious in the Iowa Democratic presidential caucuses. This milestone marked a significant moment in LGBTQ+ representation in politics, showcasing the progress being made towards inclusivity and diversity in leadership roles.

In 2021, Buttigieg continued to make history when the Senate confirmed him as the transportation secretary, a position that made him the nation's first out LGBTQ person to be confirmed to a Cabinet post. This achievement not only highlights Buttigieg's qualifications and expertise in the field but also serves as a symbol of progress and acceptance in American society.

Buttigieg's groundbreaking accomplishments have paved the way for increased representation and diversity in politics. His success serves as an inspiration to individuals from all backgrounds, showing that anyone can aspire to leadership roles regardless of their sexual orientation.

As Buttigieg continues to make strides in his political career, his legacy as a trailblazer in American politics is solidified. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and progress in shaping the future of our nation.

Kyrsten Sinema, a former Arizona Democrat who later became an independent, made history in 2018 as the first openly bisexual person ever elected to the Senate. She followed in the footsteps of Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who was the first openly LGBTQ person in the Senate. Sinema's groundbreaking journey began in 2013 when she was elected to the House, becoming the first openly bisexual member of Congress.

Sinema's election to the Senate was a significant milestone for LGBTQ representation in politics. Her success paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in government, inspiring others to embrace their identities and pursue leadership roles. Throughout her time in office, Sinema has been a vocal advocate for a wide range of issues, including healthcare, immigration, and veterans' rights. Her bipartisan approach to governance has earned her respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

In March, Sinema announced that she would not seek re-election this year, marking the end of an era in Arizona politics. While her decision to step away from the Senate may come as a surprise to some, Sinema's legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for change will endure for years to come.

What impact does LGBTQ representation have on policy making?

Having LGBTQ individuals in positions of power allows for policies and legislation that are more inclusive and representative of the diverse needs of the population. LGBTQ officials can advocate for issues such as LGBTQ rights, healthcare access, anti-discrimination laws, and more.

How does LGBTQ representation benefit society as a whole?

By having LGBTQ representation in government, society as a whole benefits from increased diversity, empathy, and understanding. LGBTQ officials can serve as role models for LGBTQ youth, showing them that they too can aspire to leadership positions and make a difference in their communities.

Overall, LGBTQ representation in government is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals are valued and their voices are heard.