LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Students protest LGBTQ legislation in other states


Students gather during the March 11 walkout at Acalanes High School. Photo provided

The current and future leaders of the Queer Student Alliance (QSA) at Acalanes High School - Fae Goertzen, Malia Eads, Ash Lee, Emerson Brown, and Autumn Long - organized a walkout at 10 a.m. March 11 on campus to protest against anti-LGBTQ legislation in Georgia, Iowa, Texas, and Florida.

"In Florida, HB1557/SB1834, which was nicknamed the `Don't Say Gay' bill, would ban discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in school, essentially erasing LGBTQ+ history from curriculum," Goertzen said. "The bill encourages parents to sue any school they believe violated this bill. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott interpreted the Texas child abuse laws to include gender-affirming healthcare (puberty blockers, hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery). Parents and doctors who continue to provide these services have been interviewed by Child Protective Services. Lastly, in Georgia and Iowa, new bills are being introduced to completely ban trans women and trans kids from participating in sports."

The group hoped the walkout would raise awareness, and show they stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ students who are affected by these bills. They are also asking Rep. Mark Desaulnier and Sens. Alex Padilla and Diane Feinstein to introduce national youth protection bills.