LGBTQIA+ has been growing over the past few decades. However, it has come to my attention that LGBTQIA+ are still frequently discriminated against every day. Even though all 50 states now allow gay marriage, it was a long time before this was acknowledged completely. My state, Florida, was one of the last to do so, in 2015 with all the rest. Even though the states have legalized gay marriage. It also bothers me that the churches do not legalize gay marriage. I am personally catholic, but I support LGBTQIA+. It is my belief that the church is annoyed with the states, but I think that is not being very welcoming to a community of welcoming people.

Schools in Florida, Texas, and quite a few other states do not take part in active LGBTQIA+ Education and Acceptance. Schools are still frequently making Trans children who have transitioned change in their same sex locker and bathrooms. I am a person who can see multiple points of view and gives the benefit of the doubt. I understand that if a trans person has not medically transitioned yet there might be worry of assault or abuse of the system, even though almost all trans people would not do that. But, children and staff who have already medically transitioned are not harmful. In fact, people who transition medically, not being allowed to go to their proper restroom, are more vulnerable to assault.

The health, safety, and well being of all people is always kept in mind. I do not want to go to one extreme right away, nor the other. I believe we should try to meet in the middle at first. Maybe meeting in the middle will be something like every/most schools including a single stalled bathroom for all genders that is also handicap accessible. Not only would this be good for trans and non binary students, but also for handicapped students. I think this request would not sound too absurd or hard. LGBTQIA+ people deserve these small requests, and eventually, maybe Florida and other states will realize that LGBTQIA+ is growing in our youth and the youth is the future of the world.

I also want to bring attention to Pride curriculum. Many states, including Florida, do not take part in Pride curriculum during June. Which is literally Pride month! I will continue my ideas about meeting in the middle. I think schools should have Pride curriculum that can be opted out of if you have a good reason submitted. I believe that Pride curriculum, small hour long Pride festivals/parades in school gyms that can be opted out of, Pride merchandise in the school store during Pride, and acceptance for students throughout schools are great things, big steps in the LGBTQIA+ community, and not very much to ask. 

LGBTQIA+ marriages are another issue I want to cover in more depth. As said above, many states took a long time to legalize gay marriage. But the church will still not do gay marriages. A close family member of mine is gay and happily married. However, he had to get married outside of the church because he was not allowed to. I find this insulting and rude. I think churches, and the governments should always allow gay marriages.

And finally, I believe that Pride festivals should be allowed and take place in every county and that youth and adults are allowed to talk about their pride or being in the LGBTQIA+ community without being harassed, bullied, or ignored.

So this is what I ask. Please sign and then share or chip in to support the LGBTQIA+ community and our journey! The comment section is a safe space to share your feelings, why you are signing, your personal gender identity or sexuality, and anything else you personally feel comfortable with.