“I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay. I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.”
—Jason Collins, a 12-year NBA veteran, has announced that he’s gay in a moving personal essay featured in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated.
This is an e-mail I just got, if you are interested in equality and if you hate unfair practice of the law, then please sign this:
A Florida high school student could go to prison for years – all because her girlfriend’s parents were furious she was dating their 15-year-old daughter. As soon as Kate Hunt turned 18, the angry parents reported her to the police. Against her girlfriend’s wishes, she was arrested for “assaulting” a minor.
But this isn’t about a crime. It’s about a high school romance between two teen girls – and the angry, homophobic parents who want to destroy a young woman’s life.
Florida Assistant State Attorney Brian Workman has the power to end this crazy situation.It’s his job to prosecute cases that are in the public interest – not teen romances. If thousands of us speak out, the pressure will grow for him to reverse his decision.
A Florida high school student could go to prison for years – all because her girlfriend’s parents were furious she was dating their 15-year-old daughter. As soon as Kate Hunt turned 18, the angry parents reported her to the police. Against her girlfriend’s wishes, she was arrested for “assaulting” a minor.
But this isn’t about a crime. It’s about a high school romance between two teen girls – and the angry, homophobic parents who want to destroy a young woman’s life.
Florida Assistant State Attorney Brian Workman has the power to end this crazy situation.It’s his job to prosecute cases that are in the public interest – not teen romances. If thousands of us speak out, the pressure will grow for him to reverse his decision.
All Out is a global movement for love and equality. We’re working together for a world where no one has to sacrifice family, security, dignity or freedom because of who they are or who they love.
We spoke up when Roger faced jail in Cameroon for sending a text to the man he loved. We spoke up when Uganda wanted to execute gays and lesbians. Many people face unjust threats to their freedom: it’s happening now in the USA. Please sign the petition to help Kate – we’ll deliver all the signatures directly to the State Attorney.
Best,
Andre, Guillaume, Jeremy, Joe, Marie, Sara and the rest of the All Out team.
P.S. Florida’s nickname is the “Sunshine State”. They want to be known for their beautiful beaches, not for being the state where a young woman was locked up for dating her high school girlfriend. Our big petition could help bring international pressure that could tip the balance. Sign now: www.allout.org/kate
Tennessee 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Now Requires Teachers To Inform Parents If Their Child Is Gay
(Think Progress) - Tennessee’s so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay‘ bill died with the adjournment of the state assembly last year. But now the measure is back — with new, harsher requirements.
The bill, SB 234, still bars Tennessee teachers from discussing any facet of “non-heterosexual” sexuality with children in grades K-8. But the newest iterationalso includes a provision requiring teachers or counselors to inform the parents of some students who identify themselves as LGBT. State Sen. Stacey Campfield (R), who authored the bill the first time around and again introduced it this time, calls out students who might be “at risk,” but leaves the interpretation of that behavior to the teacher:
The general assembly recognizes that certain subjects are particularly sensitive and are, therefore, best explained and discussed within the home. Because of its complex societal, scientific, psychological, and historical implications, human sexuality is one such subject. Human sexuality is best understood by children with sufficient maturity to grasp its complexity and implications […]
A school counselor, nurse, principal or assistant principal from counseling a student who is engaging in, or who may be at risk of engaging in, behavior injurious to the physical or mental health and well-being of the student or another person; provided, that wherever possible such counseling shall be done in consultation with the student’s parents or legal guardians. Parents or legal guardians of students who receive such counseling shall be notified as soon as practicable that such counseling has occurred
Family rejection is a serious risk for LGBT youth. Kids who are LGBT often face alienation, if not outright abandonment, because they come out. Forty percent of homeless youth are LGBT, and many of them report that the reason they left home was to escape an environment hostile to their sexual orientation. LGBT youth who experience family rejection are at high risk for depression and suicide.
I often wonder if republicans in various parts of the country are in competition to see who can be the most disgusting, vile pieces of human garbage they possibly can be.
The article says it all, family rejection is a huge issue with LGBT youth (I’m guessing especially somewhere like Tennessee) and this seems like nothing more than an attempt to shame and intimidate LGBT students. This is an utterly gross abuse of power and a huge violation of something very personal and depending on the student’s family could potentially be very dangerous. I really don’t know who the hell these people think they are.
