Saint Paul Public Schools’ Post

Content Warning: violence against LGBTQIA+ youth. The horrifying murder of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary student from Oklahoma, and Owasso High School's subsequent failure to take seriously the grave injuries Nex suffered or acknowledge the bigoted attack, can no doubt be attributed to increased hostility toward transgender and non-binary individuals in Oklahoma’s educational system. Some news outlets are attributing this attack to Libs of TikTok—a platform run by a member of Oklahoma's State Department of Education’s Library Media Advisory Committee that has been accused of stoking anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments that has linked to multiple threats against schools in recent months. This tragedy is yet another reminder that words matter, and that anti-LGBTQIA+ and anti-DEI rhetoric have real life, deadly consequences.

This is absolutely outrageous and heartbreaking! The fact that a 16-year-old non-binary student like Nex Benedict could be brutally murdered, and their school failing to take it seriously or even acknowledge the bigoted nature of the attack, is beyond comprehension. We cannot allow this violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ youth to continue unchecked. It's time for us to stand up and demand justice for Nex and all victims of anti-LGBTQIA+ violence. We must hold institutions like Owasso High School and platforms like Libs of TikTok accountable for their role in perpetuating hateful rhetoric and creating a culture where such atrocities can occur. Enough is enough. It's time for action. Let's come together to fight against anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination and violence, and ensure that every young person can feel safe and supported in their schools and communities. LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights, and we will not rest until justice is served. #JusticeForNex #EndAntiLGBTQViolence

Dive into ASBJ to explore how you can take action to create safer schools for nonbinary students. Vanessa Ford & Rebecca Kling share key principles for promoting equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ students. Let's work together to foster environments where every student can thrive!

Earlier this month, the state House Education Committee heard testimony in support of and against HB24-1039: Non-Legal Name Change Bill. IOYS firmly supports this piece of legislation that was written by the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, and below is our testimony: "Thank you to the Members of the Committee for your time and consideration of HB24-1039. And thank you to the sponsors of this bill and the Youth Advisory Council. My name is Keeley, my pronouns are she/ella, and I am the Digital and Community Educator for Inside Out Youth Services. Inside Out has been building access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA2+ young people, ages thirteen to twenty-four for over 30 years in the Pikes Peak Region. We offer a community center where young people can access resources, participate in evidence-based programming, and simply have a place that is safe, welcoming, and affirming for who they are as their true, authentic selves. Unfortunately for too many of the young people we serve, Inside Out is the only place they can feel safe without fear of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence. But today you have the opportunity to initiate change and make schools safer for LGBTQ+ students across Colorado. According to the 2021 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, only 37.2% of genderqueer and nonbinary students and only 38.3% of transgender students expressed that they agree or strongly agree that they belong at their school, compared to 65.9% of their cisgender peers. These statistics are simply not acceptable. LGBTQ+ inclusive policies have an important role in shaping the social climate within schools and have a substantial impact on the overall wellness of young people. Additionally, most of the time when students want to use their chosen name at school, their parents are aware and are supportive of their children. One of the students in our community said: 'When I came out as non-binary, I asked to change my name in the system... I was told it could not be done. Since I have moved schools, my deadname has been completely replaced in all school systems... [proving] that if a school claims to be welcoming and supportive that they can be.' Many people don’t understand why some people are trans, nonbinary, or genderqueer. And that’s ok. We as people don’t have to understand all the intricacies of gender identity or why folx identify in a particular way, but we should respect what someone wants to be called and how they want to be referred to. It is harmful and it is dangerous to continually call a young person by a name that causes them pain. You should vote yes in support of HB24-1039 because it will foster a more inclusive environment for young people across Colorado. Show LGBTQ+ youth across the state that you are advocating for them by supporting this bill. Thank you for your time."

J is for Judgement-Free. 🌍 Teaching the next generation about acceptance and inclusion is crucial. It’s especially important when it comes to creating a judgement-free world for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Unfortunately, Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ folks remain some of the most vulnerable members of our society. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Black transgender women face significantly higher rates of violence and discrimination. In November 2023, HRC reported that, in the preceding 12 months, two thirds of the transgender and gender-nonconforming people killed were Black transgender women. These distressing statistics highlight the urgent need for education and action. Here are some practical ways in which parents, educational institutions, and society as a whole can help create a more inclusive and empathetic environment: 1. **Start Early with Education:** Introduce children to diverse books and media that feature LGBTQIA+ characters and families. Discuss the importance of kindness and understanding from a young age. Teach Me Antiracism: Allyship is a great resource for broaching these topics with elementary school age children. Get your copy here: https://a.co/d/air1eoD. 2. **Supportive School Policies:** Advocate for comprehensive anti-bullying policies in schools that specifically protect LGBTQIA+ students. Ensure that teachers receive training on how to support and affirm LGBTQIA+ youth. 3. **Open Conversations:** Encourage open and honest conversations about gender and sexuality at home. Normalize these discussions to reduce stigma and build empathy. 4. **Representation Matters:** Promote visibility by supporting LGBTQIA+ people of color in media, politics, and community leadership roles. Representation helps foster a sense of belonging and validation. 5. **Community Engagement:** Participate in or support local LGBTQIA+ organizations and events. Building a supportive network within your community can make a significant difference. By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can teach children the value of acceptance and the importance of standing up against injustice. Let’s inspire the next generation to foster a world where everyone is celebrated for who they are. As professionals, educators, and parents, we have the power to influence change. Let’s commit to promoting tolerance, compassion, and respect within our own spheres of influence. Together, we can make a real impact and pave the way for a more inclusive future. #LGBTQIA #Inclusion #Diversity #Empathy #Education #BlackTransLivesMatter #Acceptance #JudgementFree #Inclusivity #TeachMeAntiracism #PrideMonth

The governor of California has just signed the bill mentioned below, which bans schools from making rules that parents must be informed if their child claims to be transgender. The #family is the bedrock of the State, not vice versa. #Parents are and must remain the primary child-raisers - not government or education officials - for the health and protection of children. State regulation should be limited to preventing negligent, violent or abusive parenting. This move in CA involves serious social engineering and we must be watchful that it does not find its way into other major democracies, if it hasn't already. #childprotection #parenting #transgender #ethics #socialengineering #criticaltheory #familyethics https://lnkd.in/eju5rvJ6

Last night, I shared this message about the importance of allowing children to confide in their teachers or guidance counselors about their gender identity or sexual orientation without fear of being outed to their parents. Unfortunately, this was met with many rude comments suggesting that teachers should always inform parents. I want to take a moment to explain why it's crucial for children to have trusted adults in their lives outside of their parents. Imagine your child is struggling, feeling scared and isolated because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. They need someone to talk to, someone they trust. For many children, that person might be a teacher or a guidance counselor. But what if they knew that confiding in that trusted adult could lead to being outed to their parents, potentially facing abuse, being sent to a conversion therapy camp, getting kicked out, or in the most tragic cases, even losing their lives? Would they still feel safe to reach out? The unfortunate reality is that too many children who come out to their parents face severe consequences. Statistics and countless stories highlight how some parents react with hostility and rejection. Without a safe outlet, these children may feel utterly alone and consider suicide as their only escape. Many have. California recently became the first state to ban teachers from outing LGBTQ+ students to their parents. This landmark decision is a step in the right direction, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children who need it most. If I had come out to my parents as trans while living in the city where I was raised, I would likely have faced homelessness or worse. I was fortunate to be raised by my grandma, who provided a safe and loving environment. Not every child is so lucky. As adults, we have a responsibility to protect and support our children, even if that means sometimes keeping their confidences. Trust that if a child confides in a teacher or counselor, it's because they desperately need someone to listen without judgment and without the risk of exposure to harm. Of course, here are some hashtags you can use to amplify your message: #ProtectLGBTQKids #LGBTQSupport #SafeSpaces #LGBTQRights #EndOuting #LGBTQYouth #LoveAndAcceptance #StandWithLGBTQYouth

Some "good-good" for your Tuesday! Great news for LGBTQIA+ students in California! Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a new bill into law that bans schools from enforcing policies that would "out" students to their parents without their permission. This is a huge step forward in protecting the privacy and safety of students who are exploring or affirming their gender identity or sexual orientation. The law ensures that conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation remain within the family and not imposed by school staff, which is crucial in fostering a supportive environment. It's a much-needed response to the political tension surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation in schools and helps create a safe haven where students can be themselves without fear of being outed. This legislation highlights the importance of respecting students' privacy and promoting a school atmosphere where everyone feels valued and affirmed. Thank you, Gov Newsom, for leading the way in protecting LGBTQIA+ rights in schools! #LGBTQRights #StudentPrivacy #ProtectTransKids #EqualityInEducation #SafeSchools #California #InclusiveEducation #TransRights #SupportAllStudents

While LGBTQ+ students and allies protest and take action for Day of (No) Silence, it is important that we remain outspoken. As an organization with a mission of improving health and well-being for youth and communities by championing science, we’re committed to fight for evidence-based policies and practices that promote inclusivity and support the well-being of all students. With the recent tragedy of Nex Benedict, our CEO Vignetta Charles and Vice President of Science, Equity, & Integration, Madhuri Jha, MPH, LCSW, wrote an op-ed on the prioritization of supporting LGBTQ+ students. This piece not only highlights the importance of safe spaces where young people can realize their full potential, but how we owe it to LGBTQ+ youth to do better. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q02s0g-q0 #DayOfSilence #LGBTQ #TeenHealth #AdolescentHealth #HealthEquity #Community #Inclusivity #LGBTQHealth #Health #NationalDayOfSilence #DayOfSilence24