Kentucky’s ‘Don’t say gay’ law miserable for LGBTQ students

Kentucky’s ‘Don’t say gay’ law miserable for LGBTQ students

The enactment of Kentucky’s version of the so-called “Don’t say gay” legislation is stirring significant challenges for LGBTQ+ students, as well as for their supportive parents and educators, as highlighted by various queer activists. In a move that marked a stark political divide, the state’s legislature, predominantly Republican, overturned a veto by Democratic Governor Andy Beshear in March, leading to the implementation of one of the most extensive anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the country. Senate Bill 150, the law in question, not only bans gender-affirming healthcare for minors but also prohibits any educational discourse in public schools regarding sexual orientation and gender identity across all levels. Additionally, it imposes an obligation on school districts to prevent transgender students from using restrooms that align with their gender identity. The law further demands that school staff disclose to parents any private conversations held with students about their sexual orientation or gender identity, effectively compelling the revelation of these students’ personal information.