The Sacramento LGBT Community Center (the Center) denounces the recent passage of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill (or Florida HB 1557) in the Florida State Legislature.

This anti-LGBTQ bill currently awaits Governor Ron DeSantis signature and will prohibit discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the state’s kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. Should this bill be signed by Florida’s governor, Human Rights Organizations will likely challenge the law almost immediately on first amendment grounds.

As an LGBTQ+ community, we know that representation matters. This legislation makes it more difficult for LGBTQ+ kids to see and hear positive representations of themselves in the world. It sends the dangerous message to our already vulnerable LGBTQ youth that they are not valued or welcomed as their whole selves at school. In a state where LGBTQ+ youth already face higher levels of discrimination, and have few spaces for them to freely be themselves, and the “Don’t Say Gay” bill will harm young people by forcing them to hide their true identities and limiting school staff’s ability to honestly and fully support their students.

We are proud to provide our Q-Spot Youth Center where LGBTQ+ youth can explore their identities in a safe, affirming, and supportive environment. We provide youth drop-in services, emergency shelter, support groups and counseling, enrichment activities, advocacy, and resource navigation. If you or someone you know needs youth services or mental health services, please call 916-442-0185 or email youth@saccenter.org.

Legislation like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and the slough of anti-LGBTQ legislation being pushed through in other states, costs lives and should not be tolerated. All LGBTQ youth and families deserve to live as their most authentic selves.