The safety and validity of LGBTQ+ youth in the state of Tennessee is being actively threatened by bills HB 1182 (SB 1224), HB 800 (SB 1216), SB 1367 (HB 1233), SB 1229, and SB 1367.

Each of these bills challenge the progressive progress of inclusion of LGBTQ+ youth that we have worked so hard for over the last several centuries. These bills limit the acknowledgement, support, normalization, and education regarding LGBTQ+ issues and lifestyles. These bills prevent access to proper bathrooms for transgender students and threaten their safety in our schools. These bills allow for students to opt-out of LGBTQ+ curriculum which will only further the marginalization of targeted LGTBQ+ students. These bills require teachers to notify parents 30 days in advance if their lesson would include LGBTQ+ content- which is a ridiculous request considering the practice of love and inclusion presented to our young people should exist in every single classroom moment. 

As a community, it is our duty to ensure the safety of our children in our schools. Please consider voting against these bills so that our talented educators can continue fostering an environment that is safe and inclusive for all students.

The signatures below signify the community's request to vote against these bills.