New York City High Schoolers Protest Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

New York, NY – Florida’s announcement of a new so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill has sparked outrage and protest amongst students in New York City and Long Island. The bill prohibits discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity for kids in kindergarten to 3rd grade. More than 600 kids left class and gathered at Citi Field in protest on March 16, 2022 to start a rally titled “We Say Gay”.

“Don’t Say Gay Bill…Students who feel targeted by that legislation came together to make sure their voice were heard at @LGBTNetworkNY 26th Annual Conference” – @fox5ny @Dromm25 @CMSandraUng @DavidWeprin #wesaygay https://t.co/RkryQ2TneC

— David Kilmnick (@DavidKilmnick) March 22, 2022

“It’s crazy that they actually made a law that says that you can’t say the word ‘gay’ in school, which in insane,” Sayville High School sophomore James Talbot told WABC. The students in attending the rally wanted to let Florida state officials know they were not going to be silent. Many were there to rally as allies for LGBTQ youth and chanted “We Say Gay!”

The bill has been passed in the Florida Senate and is now heading to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who has shown support for the bill. Students who showed up for the rally are worried about the possible ramifications the bill will bring on for young kids. 

“It makes me feel like there are still things to change about the government and just America in general and acceptance in general,” Landmark High School senior Chelsea Franklin said to WABC. “It’s really crazy that people can tell you what not to say, especially when it has such an effect on the whole community.”

seeing so many young men loudly supporting the lgbtq community is such a big fucking deal like shit was NOT like this when i was in high school

— official 3:45-5:05 of let it happen fanpage (@diabeyonce) March 22, 2022

Twitter blew up with support for the young students voicing their opinions on the matter. Many users were impressed and thankful for the way they won’t be silenced anymore. “seeing so many young men loudly supporting the lgbtq community is such a big fucking deal like shit was NOT like this when i was in high school” said Twitter user @diabeyonce. 

Supporters of the bill say this is about allowing parents to have control over what their kids learn about sexuality, while opposers believe it only harms the LGBTQ community. “This is going to endanger the safety of our LGBTQ students and adolescents,” Sen. Annette Taddeo, a Democrat, said during Tuesday’s debate, according to NBC News. “We will not stop until this state moves forward and actually values everyone in it, everyone no matter their sexual orientation.”