National Coming out day 2022
Coming out is hard enough. Like many gay people, I didn’t come out until I was an adult. We spent our childhood questioning, feeling like we were different from everyone else, putting up with the stress of rampant homophobia.
Today, thanks to years of progress, many young people feel safe enough to come out while still in school. Many have allies, GSA’s, welcoming teachers and communities. We fought so hard to get to a point where kids could be kids. Feel safe in their schools, communities, and their own skin.
I’m glad for the progress we’ve made to make a better world for the next generation – actions like passing the Virginia Values Act, which bans discrimination in public education, ending the “gay panic” defense in Virginia courts, and cracking down on hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
But Governor Glenn Youngkin is trying to roll back that progress, rolling out new model policies for the treatment of trans students that will do real harm to trans and questioning students. The policies will lead to students being outed before they are ready, increase bullying and harassment of marginalized youth, and require students and parents to go to court just to be referred to with their proper name.
On National Coming Out Day, I am asking you to join me in being an ally to these young people who Governor Youngkin has in his political cross hairs. The public comment period on this policy is open until October 26th. Please add your voice to the tens of thousands of Virginians who are opposing these thoughtless, dangerous proposals.
We owe it to the youth to build a future where coming out is always a safe, supported celebration of living your authentic life.
I hope you will also consider supporting my work to serve as a bulwark against Youngkin’s attacks on the LGBT community by chipping in what you can today.
Thank you,
Adam P. Ebbin
Member, Senate of Virginia
Today, thanks to years of progress, many young people feel safe enough to come out while still in school. Many have allies, GSA’s, welcoming teachers and communities. We fought so hard to get to a point where kids could be kids. Feel safe in their schools, communities, and their own skin.
I’m glad for the progress we’ve made to make a better world for the next generation – actions like passing the Virginia Values Act, which bans discrimination in public education, ending the “gay panic” defense in Virginia courts, and cracking down on hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
But Governor Glenn Youngkin is trying to roll back that progress, rolling out new model policies for the treatment of trans students that will do real harm to trans and questioning students. The policies will lead to students being outed before they are ready, increase bullying and harassment of marginalized youth, and require students and parents to go to court just to be referred to with their proper name.
On National Coming Out Day, I am asking you to join me in being an ally to these young people who Governor Youngkin has in his political cross hairs. The public comment period on this policy is open until October 26th. Please add your voice to the tens of thousands of Virginians who are opposing these thoughtless, dangerous proposals.
We owe it to the youth to build a future where coming out is always a safe, supported celebration of living your authentic life.
I hope you will also consider supporting my work to serve as a bulwark against Youngkin’s attacks on the LGBT community by chipping in what you can today.
Thank you,
Adam P. Ebbin
Member, Senate of Virginia