ABSTRACT
The US has seen a dramatic increase in legislation that undermines affirming education for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth in recent years. As of December 2022, six states have passed legislation related to teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity. In Arizona, HB 2011 is currently being considered by the state legislature. House Republicans have proposed a federal bill that would be essentially a copy of Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law. Critics say that it unfairly lumps together issues of sexual orientation and gender identity with pornography and stripping and that it is so broad that it essentially eliminates any discussion relevant to LGBTQ issues. Colorado requires trans athletes to inform their school if their gender identity differs from their sex and the school then must coordinate a confidential evaluation to determine participation status. The legislation and propositions described earlier are deeply troubling to many educators, activists, advocacy groups, parents, and students.
