Pridelines is seeking to bring programs and services into the community now that identity-affirming clubs at schools are at risk, said CEO Victor Diaz-Herman. “They’re approaching those permission requests and their own personal disclosure differently in the wake of this,” said Haines, Pridelines’ head of special initiatives. And Haines has heard from LGBTQ teachers who fear they could be penalized under the new law if they don’t keep their identity secret. High schoolers active in such clubs have told Haines they’re concerned they won’t receive administrative approval for Pridelines to visit and facilitate conversations. Haines said a middle school student who wanted to start a gender and sexuality alliance club was discouraged from doing so by school faculty who feared repercussions. Pridelines is responding by working to create a network throughout South Florida for LGBTQ youth to have access to resources and places to be their authentic selves.Īmbiguity in the law’s language already is having a chilling effect beyond grade school. Dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” by LGBTQ advocates, the Parental Rights in Education law prohibits such instruction from kindergarten to third grade and when “not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate.” The legislation, signed into law Monday and effective in July, also permits parents to sue school districts for policy violations.
