You Can Say Gay

What HB 1557 really means

There’s been a lot of talk about the “Don’t say gay” bill, just signed into Florida law by Governor Ron DeSantis.

It reads, "Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."

The other part of the law requires school personnel to notify parents if there is a change to services or status of a student.

How this says: Don’t Say Gay is beyond me.

I’m not really sure how this can be controversial. The law has been misrepresented by the media and several larger corporations who will remain nameless - DISNEY -

Children are malleable, especially at a young age. It’s hard enough to be a kid, especially a teenager without adding choices and options. Teaching, the law was modified to not rule out discussion, kindergarten through third-grade kids anything that would lead them to question their identities or make what could be a life-changing decision is crazy. Children that age and through high school are more worried about what their friends think of them than what they think of themselves.

For many kids, their decisions are based on peer pressure. Adolescence is a confusing time as it is. It is a period in a child’s life where they don’t always understand themselves or what is happening to them. A good parent will provide the stability and assurances necessary to help their child through this period. I don’t believe it should be in the schools’ hands and at the very least agree with the law that parents should be notified. Until their kids are 18 they are driving the bus, not the school.

Critics claim the increased suicide rate of LBGTQRABCDEFG kids. I would maintain that if the parents were more involved in their children’s lives they would be a help and not a hindrance.