Protect Trans kids and teachers — allies needed.

In the essence of time, I’m putting the Take Action links at the top. Loud Light has made this really easy. The links also include info about the bills and talking points. Or, see my short explainer below.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY: Today (2/7) by noon

Please follow Loud Light on social media and sign up for their emails to receive more timely notifications on trans bills than I can often provide.

EMAIL YOUR LEGISLATORS — flood their inboxes before the hearing on Monday.

Allies needed for trans kids and their teachers

The GOP led Kansas legislature continues to focus their time on the transgender community (1% of the population) instead of on things that could really help Kansans. And this latest bill, SB 76, puts educators (K-12 and higher education) who want to support their students and ensure they feel welcome in the classrooms, at risk of being sued.

As I’ve explained in past newsletters, the very small trans community is being vilified at the federal and state level and they cannot successfully fight against these attacks alone. They need allies! And in the case of this bill, teachers do too.

About the bill

I’m short on time, so I’m going to rely on these graphics from Loud Light, and some words from an educator friend of mine, to fill you in.

Additional Context from an Educator

A teacher and a student have a relationship. You can’t teach or learn without it. If a teacher can’t acknowledge who that young person says they are by their name or pronoun, they are starting in a pretty bad place with that student.

Also, continuing to use dead names and old pronouns feels like you are asking teachers to intentionally and knowingly inflict harm on their students.

Please take the time to be an ally to the trans community (and those who support them). Help end these attacks on our fellow Kansans who are not bothering anyone and are just trying to live life as their authentic selves, just as we all are. Only, they have to be a lot braver than the rest of us.