“As a result of this law, students in Florida may now for the first time be made to feel shame and stigma about their families or their own identities, and we should be clear we're already seeing the harmful effects on the ground in Florida, even before Governor DeSantis signed this bill into law.” Nadine Smith, Equality Florida Executive Director “As long as this policy is in effect, it is a stain on the state of Florida and an ongoing, unwarranted attack on vulnerable people who did nothing to deserve it.” … We're calling on Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida to repeal the dangerous and backward ‘Don't Say Gay or Trans’ law and let kids learn.' Instead, LGBTQ+ kids, the kids who might feel different but they don't know the words yet, will spend their days forced to hide key parts of themselves and their families. “ Kids have one job when they go to school - that's to learn. Every student deserves an education that prepares them for health and success, and every student deserves leaders who will stand with them, not bully or attack them.” Let me be clear - every student deserves to be seen. “Each of our speakers today has agreed to put up a photo submitted by students instead of appearing on camera so that we can call attention to the very real fears that this law has sparked in the classrooms and hallways of Florida schools. Joni Madison, Human Rights Campaign Interim President HEAR WHAT THESE TEACHERS, ADVOCATES, AND PARENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DISCRIMINATORY AND UNPOPULAR BILL PASSED IN FLORIDA: The students - each with tape or a hand over their mouth - sought to convey how they feel silenced by Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law. To put the focus on those most directly impacted by the legislation, event speakers and HRC staff displayed images of Florida students during the virtual press briefing rather than appearing on video. The legislation - which has triggered major backlash from educators and students across Florida and the country - would prevent teachers from providing a safe, inclusive classroom for all students. The discriminatory and dangerous legislation seeks to silence teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ issues or people, further stigmatizing and isolating LGBTQ+ kids and also undermining existing protections for LGBTQ+ students. Today, The Human Rights Campaign, Equality Florida, the National Center for Transgender Equality, the National Education Association and affected Floridians held a press call to discuss how Florida youth and teachers are being affected by the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” legislation signed into law in Florida this week by Gov.

*Highlights From Advocates & Affected Floridians Included Below*

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