This blog originally appeared at INDEPENDENT.

Nex Benedict passed away just one day following an altercation in a school restroom. According to their mother, Sue Benedict, the gender-fluid teenager endured over a year of torment solely for embracing their authentic identity.

Whenever Nex Benedict, a teenager from Oklahoma, faced bullying at school due to being transgender, their mother, Sue Benedict, would encourage the 16-year-old to rise above their tormentors.

“I would tell them, ‘You must stay strong and ignore them because they don’t truly know who you are,'” Ms. Benedict shared with The Independent during a phone interview.

Unaware of the severity of the situation, Ms. Benedict continued, “I didn’t realize how bad it had become.”

The bullying intensified at the start of the 2023 school year, shortly after Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill mandating that public school students use bathrooms corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates.

On February 7th, the situation allegedly escalated to violence when Nex suffered severe head injuries during a “physical altercation” at Owasso High School, as reported by the Owasso Police Department.

Recalling the distressing day, Sue Benedict recounted rushing to the school to find Nex badly beaten, with bruises evident on their face and eyes, along with scratches on the back of their head.

Nex disclosed to her that they and another transgender student at Owasso High School had been involved in a confrontation with three older girls in a girls’ bathroom. Nex was knocked to the ground during the altercation, hitting their head on the floor, according to their mother.

Ms. Benedict expressed her fury over the school’s failure to call for an ambulance or involve the police. She recounted that the school later informed her that Nex was suspended for two weeks.

Taking Nex to the Bailey Medical Center in Owasso for treatment, they conversed with a police school resource officer at the medical facility before being discharged.

That night, Nex went to bed with a sore head and eventually drifted off to sleep while listening to music, according to Ms. Benedict.

On the afternoon of February 8th, while preparing to accompany Ms. Benedict to an appointment in Tulsa, Nex collapsed in the family living room.

Ms. Benedict promptly called for an ambulance, and medics from the Owasso Fire Department arrived to find Nex unresponsive. They rushed Nex to the St. Francis Pediatric Emergency Room, where they were later pronounced dead.

The Owasso Police Department released a statement indicating that they were actively investigating the circumstances leading up to Nex’s death.

Owasso PD spokesperson Nick Boatman informed The Independent that the police were awaiting toxicology and autopsy reports from the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office before considering charges.

Mr. Boatman emphasized that all potential charges would be considered pending confirmation of the cause of death.

In an update on February 20th, Mr. Boatman stated that detectives were conducting interviews with school staff and students and would submit their findings to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for review.

On February 21st, Owasso police issued a subsequent statement revealing that an autopsy indicated Nex did not die as a result of trauma.

When contacted by The Independent, a spokesperson for Owasso Public Schools declined to provide information regarding the assault or the school’s response, citing an ongoing police investigation.

Advocacy organizations supporting LGBTQ rights have characterized Nex’s death as a “hate crime,” attributing it to the “hateful rhetoric propagated by leaders in our state” and the activities of Chaya Raichik, a far-right social media influencer known for her Libs of TikTok account.

Ms. Raichik, a former real estate agent based in New York, gained prominence among conservatives for using her Libs of TikTok platform to share edited, anti-trans content targeting public school educators and librarians.

In 2022, an educator at Owasso High School whom Nex deeply admired resigned following their appearance in one of Ms. Raichik’s posts.

Ms. Raichik did not respond to The Independent’s request for comment. However, on another occasion, she refuted any connection to the death, asserting that she was unfairly being implicated in a homicide.

‘When you’re old school, you don’t always understand it’

Similar to many parents, Sue Benedict and her husband Walter faced challenges in comprehending the complexities of Nex’s gender fluidity.

Ms. Benedict, who is Nex’s biological grandmother, has cared for them since they were two months old, alongside her five other children. She formally adopted Nex several years ago.

Speaking to The Independent, Ms. Benedict expressed that Nex always showed understanding if she mistakenly used the wrong pronoun or referred to Nex by their birth name.

“Nex didn’t identify as strictly male or female,” Ms. Benedict explained. “They saw themselves as somewhere in between. I was still learning about it, and Nex was teaching me.”

Reflecting on their journey, Walter remarked to The Independent, “When you come from a more traditional background, it’s not always easy to grasp. But diversity is what makes life interesting. What truly matters is who we are on the inside.”

The family, who trace part of their roots to the Choctaw Nation, encouraged open discussions about questions of gender and identity.

“I was very open with my children to be who and what they thought was best,” Ms Benedict said.

“They could talk to me about anything, as long as that respect goes both ways. A child needs to figure out who they are and what they want to be, and you cannot force it upon them.”

Nex’s sister Malia Pila, who is also a member of the LGBTQ community, told The Independent in an interview that Nex’s fluid gender identity “was not an issue nor anything that anybody cared about” within the family.

Nex was a straight-A student who enjoyed drawing, reading, playing video games Ark and Minecraft, and was devoted to their cat Zeus, Ms Benedict said.

“I was so proud of Nex. They were going some place, they were so free,” she said.

In April 2022, Owasso High School teacher Tyler Wrynn was featured in a surreptitiously filmed Libs of TikTok post telling students: “If your parents don’t accept you for who you are, f*** them.”

The incident triggered a backlash in the small Oklahoma city of 40,000 residents, prompting Mr. Wrynn to resign from the Owasso Public Schools system.

“Nex was deeply upset about it,” remarked Ms. Benedict. She emphasized that teachers fostering discussions on gender issues weren’t promoting sexualized content but rather allowing students to express themselves authentically.

Ms. Benedict disclosed that she became aware of Nex’s bullying at school in early 2023.

“They’d retreat to their room and turn on the radio,” she recalled. “I’d tell them, ‘Alright, take some time to decompress, then we’ll talk about it.'”

Expressing her ongoing frustration with the school’s failure to contact the authorities or seek medical aid for Nex, Ms. Benedict urged for the alleged assailants to face consequences.

“So many people pressure kids to conform to certain standards,” Ms. Benedict voiced. “But you have to let them discover themselves and embrace who they truly are. Society needs to see them for who they are, accept them, and move forward, because ultimately, we’re all human beings.”

‘Woke ideology’

In August of last year, a post from Libs of TikTok featuring an edited video criticizing a public school librarian in Tulsa triggered a series of bomb threats targeting schools in the district for several consecutive days.

According to a recent investigation by NBC News, Ms. Raichik’s anti-LGBTQ posts have been associated with nearly thirty incidents of threats made against schools, libraries, hospitals, and businesses across sixteen states.

In the previous month, Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s Republican superintendent of public schools, appointed Ms. Raichik to the state’s library advisory committee. Mr. Walters has not made any public statements regarding Nex’s death. However, on Presidents’ Day, he released a video criticizing “radical woke college professors” for ranking Donald Trump poorly among the nation’s greatest presidents, stating, “We judge presidents by outcomes, not woke ideology.”

Following Nex’s death, Freedom Oklahoma, an LGBTQ advocacy group, held Oklahoman lawmakers and Ms. Raichik responsible for promoting bigotry and intolerance towards transgender students. The group condemned Ms. Raichik’s actions, asserting that she continues to use her platform in a manner that encourages others to threaten harm against Oklahoma youth.

The group emphasized, “Whether Nex’s passing directly resulted from injuries sustained in a hate-motivated attack at school or not, it is a consequence of enduring physical and emotional harm due to their identity.”

‘Nex had a light in them that was so big’

Since Nex’s passing, Ms. Benedict revealed that she has struggled to sleep and has felt like she’s been “walking in a blur.”

When it came time to write an obituary, Ms. Benedict accidentally included Nex’s birth name. Consequently, some media reports regarding Nex’s death have used their birth name, or dead name.

“When you’re going through something like this and you lose a child, your mind isn’t functioning properly. We’re in the process of having a headstone made, and Nex’s chosen name will be engraved on it,” she explained.

Nex’s funeral took place at the Mowery Funeral Service on February 15th. Following the service, police officers from Owasso and the neighboring city of Collinsville joined members of the local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse in escorting the procession from the service to the gravesite.

A GoFundMe campaign established to assist with funeral expenses has raised $28,000. Ms. Benedict intends to donate the majority of the funds to LGBTQ anti-bullying organizations.

“Nex possessed a radiance that was incredibly immense; they had numerous aspirations. I want their radiance to continue illuminating the lives of others. It was such a significant, bright, and beautiful light, and I want everyone to remember Nex in that manner,” Ms. Benedict expressed.

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ NATION.

The nonbinary teenager was fatally attacked in a school that had been singled out by online hate campaigners.

Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old sophomore who identified as nonbinary and Native American, reportedly suffered a fatal beating on February 7th at Owasso High School in Oklahoma. Three older female students were allegedly responsible for the attack in the school’s bathroom. Despite the severity of Benedict’s injuries, the school neglected to call for an ambulance and only notified the police after Benedict was admitted to the hospital. Tragically, Benedict succumbed to their injuries the following day.

Online commentators are holding Oklahoma’s top education official, Ryan Walters, accountable for Benedict’s death. Walters has been accused of promoting inflammatory anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric during his tenure. Additionally, Walters recently appointed Chaya Raichik, known as Libs of TikTok on social media and identified as an anti-LGBTQ+ hate activist, to a state school book-banning committee. Raichik had previously targeted the Owasso school district for employing a pro-LGBTQ+ teacher who was subsequently terminated.

“I know at one point, one of the girls was pretty much repeatedly beating [Benedict’s] head across the floor,” a person who identified herself as the friend of Benedict’s mother told KRJH. Even though a teacher eventually walked into the bathroom to stop the fight, the friend added, “She couldn’t walk to the nurses’ station on her own, and staff didn’t call the ambulance, which amazes me.”

Although Benedict was discharged from the hospital on the same day as the attack, they returned the following day and tragically passed away while hospitalized due to complications from brain trauma, as reported by a friend. Both the school and the Owasso Police Department have declined to comment as the investigation into the teen’s death remains ongoing.

In a letter addressed to parents, Owasso Public Schools announced several measures in response to the incident. These include the augmentation of security personnel, updates to safety drills and disciplinary policies, enhanced hall supervision, and the provision of additional student resources such as on-campus counselors for those distressed by the tragedy.

A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to cover expenses related to Benedict’s death, amassing $27,836 before ceasing further donations. A memorial service was held at Mowery Funeral Service Chapel on February 15th. Local media outlets covering the story have repeatedly misgendered and used Benedict’s deadname.

Benedict, as described by their mother, had a deep affection for animals, cherished their cat named Zeus, took pleasure in cooking, and enjoyed inventing their own recipes. They excelled academically, maintaining straight-A grades. Additionally, Benedict had an affinity for creative arts, particularly drawing, and found joy in playing video games like Ark and Minecraft, as noted by PGH Lesbian Correspondents. Their love for rock music was matched by their unfailing kindness and their persistent search for the best in people. They were also a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, as highlighted in a memorializing post by the state LGBTQ+ organization Freedom Oklahoma.

Freedom Oklahoma expressed concerns about the escalating anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiments faced by young community members, attributing them to state laws and associated rhetoric, as well as to the actions and words of elected officials. They also pointed to the amplification of harmful voices like Chaya Raichik’s, whose platform encourages threats against Oklahoma youth.

In a heartfelt tribute, PGH Lesbian Correspondents honored Benedict’s memory, acknowledging the challenges they endured and lamenting the lack of support they received. They wished for Benedict a life filled with longevity, health, and happiness, free from fear and discrimination. They hoped for peace and justice for Benedict, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and affirming their true identity. They concluded with the sentiment that Benedict’s memory should inspire positive change.

In January, Ryan Walters, the right-wing superintendent of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), appointed Raichik to serve on the OSDE’s Library Media Advisory Committee. This committee holds the responsibility of determining the reading materials permitted for state public school students. However, despite lacking residency in the state and any experience in the field of education, Raichik received this appointment.

During 2022, Raichik directed attention towards a pro-LGBTQ+ teacher in Owasso who offered support to queer students. As reported by Daily Kos, Raichik’s post targeting the teacher led to condemnation and harassment, ultimately resulting in the teacher’s resignation. Raichik subsequently removed the post, though the reasons for this action remain undisclosed.

Raichik’s social media posts, which falsely accused a principal at Western Heights Public Schools of being a drag performer and labeled various Oklahoma schools’ library books as “pornographic,” led to bomb threats against these institutions. In August 2023, Walters faced criticism for sharing a video from Raichik that resulted in bomb threats against Ellen Ochoa Elementary School in Tulsa.

Raichik has gained nationwide notoriety for her targeting of LGBTQ+ educators and allies, resulting in numerous bomb and death threats against schools, teachers, students, and children’s hospitals, including incidents involving two Oklahoma schools. She is anticipated to further Walters’ campaign against LGBTQ+-inclusive literature in public schools.

Walters, who advocates for banning LGBTQ+ books while advocating for the inclusion of the Bible in public school history classes, has previously propagated the transphobic falsehood about schools providing litterboxes for students identifying as cats. He has also labeled teachers’ unions as “terrorist organizations” and attempted to enforce regulations banning LGBTQ+ literature and transgender bathroom access in schools, actions deemed illegal. Walters has participated in events hosted by Moms for Liberty, a right-wing anti-LGBTQ+ “parent’s rights” group labeled as an extremist hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

This blog originally appeared at THEM.

The Utah Board of Education member shared a picture of a girls’ basketball team along with a caption that insinuated one of the players is transgender.

A high school basketball player in Utah has received official police protection following a state Board of Education member’s social media post where she shared the player’s picture and speculated about her being transgender.

In a recent Facebook post, Natalie Cline, a member of the Utah Board of Education (BoE), reshared a screenshot of an Instagram post from the Granite School District about a girls’ basketball game, focusing on a photo of one of the players. The caption, “Girls’ basketball…”, suggested that the player might be transgender and should not be on the team.

According to NBC affiliate KSL-TV, cyberbullies swiftly targeted the teenager and her family. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the student has been provided with police protection for her safety. Al van der Beek, the teenager’s father, clarified that his daughter identifies as a “tomboy,” not as transgender. He condemned the numerous hateful comments on Cline’s post as “disgusting.”

Van der Beek criticized Cline, stating, “Here’s a person that is supposed to be in a position of leadership that advocates for our children’s safety, well-being, their privacy, and she’s the one who has instigated this post that has led to all this hate.”

Cline has since deleted the Facebook post and issued a somewhat unusual semi-apology on Thursday in another post marked “[Constitutionally Protected Speech].” While apologizing “for the negative attention my post drew” to the student, Cline proceeded to extensively defend her actions, claiming she never “claimed the student was a boy.” She justified her suspicions regarding the teenager by referencing her “larger build, like her parents” and expressed frustration, stating it was “increasingly difficult to trust and to know how to protect children without hurting children,” attributing it all to “the push to normalize transgenderism.”

Governor Spencer Cox and Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, both Republicans, released a joint statement on Tuesday, condemning Cline’s “unconscionable” post and asserting that she had “embarrassed the state of Utah.” They urged the Board of Education (BoE) to “hold her accountable.” On Thursday, BoE leadership issued a statement condemning Cline’s post, noting that while the body lacks the authority to expel members, they “will be taking prompt action” to address the situation.

While Cline has served on the BoE since 2020, this incident is not her first brush with controversy on social media. In 2021, despite her BoE biography highlighting her dedication to issues such as “religious freedom, pro-life legislation, and family-friendly education policy,” Cline shared a photo of an LGBTQ+ welcome sign at Layton High School Seminary, accompanied by the caption “Time to make some phone calls. The world is too much with us.” Following threatening posts towards the school from Cline’s followers and others on social media, including a former local city council candidate, BoE leadership sent Cline a letter of reprimand, as reported by Deseret at the time. Additionally, Cline has spread false information online about “critical race theory” and falsely accused Utah educators of “brainwashing” minors and schools of being “complicit in the grooming of children for sex trafficking,” actions that Utah BoE leadership also condemned.

Despite Governor Cox taking a firm rhetorical stance against Cline’s most recent post, his actual position on transgender rights remains unclear, and his administration’s track record regarding trans rights in Utah has been mixed at best. While Cox has previously vetoed anti-trans bills and signed a conversion therapy ban last year, he recently signed his party’s latest “bathroom bill” into law, imposing restrictions on where transgender individuals can use public facilities like bathrooms and changing rooms. This bill marked the first piece of anti-trans state legislation to be introduced, passed, and enacted this year.

https://www.them.us/story/cis-utah-teen-needs-police-protection-after-elected-official-natalie-cline-implied-trans

It seems that the school distributed the permission slip as part of its efforts to align with the requirements outlined in Florida’s Parents’ Bill of Rights, aimed at ensuring parental involvement and oversight in educational matters within the state. This proactive measure reflects the school’s commitment to transparency and compliance with relevant legislation regarding parental rights in education.

A Florida school, Coral Way, under Miami-Dade County Public Schools, faced backlash for requesting parents to sign permission slips allowing their children to listen to a reading from a Black author. This action was prompted by the school’s efforts to adhere to the guidelines set forth in Florida’s 2021 Parents’ Bill of Rights, which mandates schools to establish policies promoting parental involvement and grants parents the authority to object to classroom content based on beliefs regarding morality, sex, religion, or perceived harm of materials.
In November, the Miami-Dade School Board implemented updated regulations mandating schools to provide comprehensive information to parents regarding all school-sponsored events, activities, or supplemental programs. Additionally, schools are now required to secure signed permission forms from parents to authorize their children’s participation in such activities.

Steve Gallon, a Miami-Dade School Board member, informed WPLG that the policy is an extension of a recent state board regulation aligned with the Parents’ Bill of Rights.

Chuck Walter, a parent, shared a photo of the permission slip he received for his first-grader, revealing the activity description: “Students will participate & listen to a book written by an African American.” Walter expressed surprise, questioning whether his child’s participation depended on his permission.

Walter, who is also a parent to a fourth-grader, expressed his shock to NBC News upon receiving the permission slip, noting that he had never previously been required to sign one for a guest speaker visit in either of his children’s classes.

A district spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging that the event description may have caused confusion and emphasized the importance of clarity for parents regarding activities requiring permission. However, the statement clarified that permission slips were distributed in compliance with state law, as guest speakers were scheduled to participate in school-authorized education-related activities.

State education commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. released a statement affirming that Florida law does not mandate permission slips for teaching African American history or commemorating Black History Month, emphasizing that any school implementing such measures is acting erroneously.

Earlier this month, iPrep Academy, another Miami-Dade school, found itself embroiled in a similar controversy after requiring parents to sign permission slips for students to participate in Black History Month events.

The Florida Department of Education refuted the notion that Florida students necessitated parental consent to study Black history, denouncing it as a “media-driven lie” in a statement to Business Insider.

Nathalia Medina, Press Secretary for the Florida Department of Education, cited a statement on Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ social studies webpage, emphasizing that the district fully supports the teaching of African American history as mandated by the State of Florida throughout the academic year. The statement clarified that schools within the district do not require permission slips to teach African American history.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside the state’s GOP lawmakers, has spearheaded a campaign to eradicate what they deem as “woke” instruction from public education. The state’s Stop WOKE Act, which prohibits the teaching of “critical race theory” in Florida schools, has had profound repercussions on educators’ capacity to delve into discussions about Black history. This law forbids any endeavor to “indoctrinate or persuade” students with principles conflicting with specified notions of individual freedom, while also prohibiting instruction that attributes responsibility for past actions based on “race, sex, or national origin.”

Similarly, the enactment of the Don’t Say Gay law, officially termed the Parental Rights in Education Act, bars classroom discourse on gender and sexual identity for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

This blog originally appeared at The Gaurdian.

Members of the 300-seat parliament cast their votes in favor of the bill put forth by the center-right government, a decision made in the face of opposition voiced by church officials.

Greece has made history as the world’s inaugural Christian Orthodox nation to legalize same-sex marriage, a groundbreaking reform ushered in by the Athens parliament amidst a blend of elation and discord throughout the nation.

In a remarkable demonstration of parliamentary unity, 176 lawmakers spanning the political spectrum lent their support to the bill on Thursday, while 76 opposed the reform. Two legislators refrained from voting, and 46 were absent during the session.

From the vantage point of the galleries above, members of the LGBTQ+ community, many overwhelmed with emotion, bore witness to this pivotal moment.

“We have yearned for this moment for years,” expressed Stella Belia, a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the significance of legislation that not only grants same-sex couples the right to wed in civil ceremonies but also to embark on the journey of adoption.

“It’s a historic moment. A lot of us weren’t sure it would ever come,” she remarked, her voice echoing the sentiments of countless individuals.

The parliamentary vote came after two days of fervent debate, coupled with weeks of intense public discord. Supporters hailed the reform as “bold” and “long overdue,” while opponents, including the influential Orthodox church, condemned it as “antisocial” and “unchristian.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stood firm in his support for the bill, despite encountering significant resistance from within his own center-right New Democracy party. He asserted that the legislation would rectify a “serious inequality for our democracy.”

In a stirring address preceding the vote, the 55-year-old leader, a member of the liberal wing within his party, passionately advocated for the measure, emphasizing that it would bring Greece in line with the 36 countries worldwide that had already taken legislative action on the issue. He urged against conflating conservatism with outdated perspectives that no longer resonate with modern society.

“The reform that we are enacting today… will significantly improve the lives of some of our fellow citizens without – and I stress this point – detracting anything from the lives of the majority,” Mitsotakis asserted, underlining that the law would grant full parental rights to same-sex couples.

“We are bridging a gap by providing everyone the opportunity, if they so desire, to formalize their relationships institutionally… just as heterosexual couples do.”

However, resistance from within New Democracy had been robust, with MPs mindful of their constituents’ socially conservative leanings in the nation.

Underlining the opposition, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras had voiced his dissent in parliament earlier on Thursday, contending that same-sex marriage did not constitute a human right and labeling the “dangerous” law as unwarranted.

The passage of the reform would not have been possible without the support of Syriza, the principal opposition leftist party led by Stefanos Kasselakis, Greece’s first openly gay political leader, along with other smaller factions.

Marriage equality globally

Countries that allow same-sex couples to marry

“The legislation itself is deeply problematic, and the offensive rhetoric that has permeated the discourse has left many feeling not inclined to celebrate, but rather numb,” remarked Elena Christidi, a psychologist and co-founder of the Orlando group, dedicated to advocating for LGBTQI mental health services.

However, despite the endorsement from three opposition parties, the law encountered scrutiny for its perceived limitations. Syriza, characterizing the bill as “imperfect,” lamented its failure to address the prohibition on same-sex couples seeking parenthood through surrogacy—a provision that Stefanos Kasselakis, alongside his American spouse, Tyler McBeth, has openly expressed interest in pursuing.
In addition to political critiques, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations voiced their disappointment with the bill, arguing that far from mitigating discrimination, its restrictions exacerbated inequalities. The law’s provision permitting only single women and heterosexual couples access to assisted reproduction, coupled with what they described as pervasive “hate speech” throughout the debate, left many within the community feeling deeply distressed.

The repercussions of the bill’s limitations were particularly profound for gay men and transgender individuals aspiring to parenthood, leaving them with a profound sense of being deemed unworthy of equal rights by the state.

Amidst the debate, Orthodox bishops issued threats of excommunication against lawmakers supporting the measure, while the leader of the far-right Spartans party vehemently denounced the law as a gateway to “hell and perversion.”

Joining forces with the communist KKE party, these four parties resoundingly rejected the bill, vowing to nullify what they deemed a “monstrous” piece of legislation if given the opportunity.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis, however, remained resolute, asserting that come Friday, barriers would indeed be dismantled.

In a deeply emotional address to MPs, Mitsotakis highlighted the long-standing invisibility and oppression faced by gay individuals, particularly in rural communities. “For far too long,” he declared, “gay people have been relegated to the shadows, oppressed by familial and societal pressures, treated as the ‘children of a lesser god.’ Let us not deceive ourselves,” he implored, visibly moved by the gravity of the moment.

Within moments of the bill’s successful passage on Thursday evening, the Greek leader took to social media, sharing on X: “The vote has been approved: as of tonight, Greece stands proudly as the 16th EU nation to legalize marriage equality.

“This marks a significant milestone for human rights, showcasing the essence of today’s Greece—a nation that is progressive, democratic, and wholeheartedly dedicated to upholding European values.”

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.

The proposed bill includes provisions that specifically prohibit the teaching of “queer theory” within the curriculum of primary education institutions. Additionally, it mandates that teachers are required to disclose information regarding transgender students, a measure aimed at transparency and potentially affecting the privacy rights of these individuals.

A legislative proposal in Georgia aimed at restricting the discourse on certain LGBTQ+ subjects within educational settings has progressed following a hearing held by a state senate committee. Notably, advocates with anti-LGBTQ+ stances, including representatives from the fervently anti-LGBTQ+ group Gays Against Groomers, were permitted to express their views, while voices supportive of LGBTQ+ rights were conspicuously absent. The Georgia Senate Committee on Education and Youth, voting along party lines with a tally of 6-3, moved forward with S.B. 88, a bill seeking to prohibit the instruction of topics such as “gender identity, queer theory, gender ideology, or gender transition” in both public and private schools across the state.

Queer theory, originating from post-structuralist critical theory within academic literary circles during the 1990s, offers a critique of societal norms, particularly challenging the notion that exclusively heterosexual desires are considered normative. Notably, it remains absent from the curriculum of K-12 educational institutions. However, the bill in question peculiarly redefines “queer theory” to encompass the basic premise that individuals who identify as transgender or nonbinary have valid existences.

Democratic members of the committee criticized the Republican leadership for their handling of the proceedings, particularly for their decision to disallow pro-LGBTQ+ testimonies regarding the bill.

State Senator Elena Parent (D) expressed her concern, highlighting the perceived unfairness of the situation. She emphasized the importance of hearing from all perspectives, stating, “I just can’t help but point out for everyone who’s here that it does seem fundamentally unfair – it’s one thing, although I disapprove of it, to allow no testimony, it’s another to allow testimony from only one side.” Parent underscored the need for balanced discourse, especially given the significant public interest in the matter.

Committee Chair Clint Dixon (R) defended the committee’s actions, asserting that the bill had undergone thorough scrutiny. However, Erin Reed of the LA Blade pointed out that despite claims of extensive review, the committee predominantly heard from individuals affiliated with anti-LGBTQ+ groups such as Gays Against Groomers, the Young Republicans, and the Log Cabin Republicans, raising questions about the inclusivity of the process.

State Senator Donzella James (D) further challenged the proceedings by querying the audience about the number of individuals present to testify against the bill, revealing widespread opposition to the proposed legislation. This exchange highlighted the diverse viewpoints within the community and underscored concerns about the exclusionary nature of the committee’s approach.

Among those advocating for the bill is Georgia attorney Jeff Cleghorn, who identifies himself as a “gay rights advocate fighting against Queer ideology” on social media platforms. Cleghorn argues that S.B. 88 is imperative due to his perception that the traditional gay rights movement has been co-opted by proponents of what he labels as “dishonest gender ideology,” particularly concerning its impact on children. He cited anonymous Reddit threads as evidence supporting his assertion that being transgender is undesirable, as reported by the Georgia Recorder.

The bill not only imposes restrictions on the content permissible for instruction within schools but also mandates that school districts develop policies compelling teachers to disclose the transgender status of students to their parents. Furthermore, it stipulates that schools are prohibited from using a transgender student’s correct name and pronouns without obtaining written consent from both parents. These provisions raise significant concerns about privacy rights and potentially exacerbate the challenges faced by transgender youth within educational settings.

Bentley Hudgins, the Georgia director for the Human Rights Campaign, criticized Senate Bill 88, characterizing it as an attempt by lawmakers to disguise curriculum censorship as parental involvement. Despite signing up to speak against the bill, representatives from the Human Rights Campaign were denied the opportunity to voice their opposition. Hudgins emphasized the unsuitability of Georgia schools as venues for curriculum censorship and discrimination against transgender and nonbinary students. He highlighted the political motivations behind the targeting of LGBTQ+ youth by some lawmakers, noting that this legislation has faced repeated challenges in committee hearings, with its advancement occurring only after the exclusion of dissenting voices.

According to Reed, the bill is part of a larger trend, as Georgia considers a total of ten anti-trans bills this year. With its passage out of committee, the bill now progresses to the Georgia State Senate floor for a vote, which must occur before February 29 for it to follow the normal procedural route. Republicans hold a majority in the chamber, with 33 out of 56 seats, as well as in the Georgia House of Representatives. Additionally, the state’s governor is a Republican, indicating a favorable political environment for the advancement of such legislation.

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.

She rushed to blame the shooting entirely on the shooter’s identity… and then got that identity wrong.

Following a shooting incident involving an AR-15 at a Texas megachurch, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) used social media to shift the narrative solely towards the identity of the shooter.

However, it was later revealed that Greene had inaccurately identified the individual involved.

“Not only was the shooter a trans from El Salvador,” Greene posted on X, “she also had a gun engraved with ‘Free Palestine’ but investigators can’t say if she was politically motivated or not.”

“When this country starts being truthful, regardless of who’s feelings get hurt, we will solve many problems.”

The shooter, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Moreno, entered Lakewood Church in Houston accompanied by her seven-year-old son and carrying multiple weapons. Notably, Lakewood Church is associated with anti-LGBTQ+ televangelist Joel Osteen.

Moreno proceeded to shoot a 57-year-old man in the hip before being fatally shot by two off-duty officers. Tragically, her son sustained critical injuries during the exchange of gunfire. Fortunately, the 57-year-old victim has since been discharged from the hospital.

While the motive behind Moreno’s actions remains unclear, it’s important to note that she was not transgender. Initially, Fox News reported her as transgender, but later amended their article without issuing a retraction or correction.

“She utilized both male and female names but, through all of our investigation to this point — talking with individuals, interviews, documents — Houston Police Department reports she has been identified this entire time as female: she/her,” a Houston police officer said.

Conservatives swiftly seized upon the report to portray transgender individuals as inherently violent and hazardous, disregarding the statistical reality that mass shootings are predominantly carried out by cisgender men. Over the span of a decade, from 2013 to 2023, the Gun Violence Archive documented approximately 4,400 mass shootings in the United States. Of these incidents, fewer than ten were perpetrated by transgender individuals, accounting for a mere 0.11%—a figure lower than the estimated percentage of the population that identifies as transgender.

“Fox News is SO desperate to paint trans people in a negative light that today they ran with rumors that a shooter was a transgender woman before quietly admitting three hours later that they made that part up,” Media Matters’s Ari Drennen posted to social media.

Greene’s post incorrectly labeling Moreno as transgender remains visible online.

Unfortunately, Greene wasn’t the sole individual on the right to exploit the shooting to vilify transgender individuals, despite the overwhelming evidence that the vast majority of mass shootings are committed by cisgender men. Chaya Raichik, an anti-LGBTQ+ extremist known as Libs of TikTok, also referred to Moreno as a “trans terrorist” and questioned her medication regimen, insinuating a connection between transgender identity and mental illness.

Raichik further propagated misinformation by sharing a list of mass shootings purportedly carried out by transgender and nonbinary individuals. However, this list included the Club Q shooter, who identified as nonbinary only after being arrested for a mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ venue, indicating a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts.

Greene additionally emphasized Moreno’s birthplace in El Salvador, presumably reflecting her stance against immigration into the United States. However, it’s crucial to note that immigrants are statistically less likely to be incarcerated compared to individuals born in the U.S.

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/02/marjorie-taylor-greene-falsely-calls-church-shooter-a-trans-from-el-salvador/?utm_id=top_story&utm_term=headline&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2024213%20LGBTQ%20Nation%20Daily%20Brief&utm_content=2024213%20LGBTQ%20Nation%20Daily%20Brief+CID_d39d4a36db3747903bfc1bf0931163a0&utm_source=LGBTQ%20Nation%20Subscribers&utm_term=Marjorie%20Taylor%20Greene%20falsely%20calls%20church%20shooter%20a%20trans%20from%20El%20Salvador

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.

The proposed legislation appears to harbor the intention of subtly challenging the legal foundation of marriage equality through its intricate provisions and language.

The Tennessee Senate has passed legislation enabling individuals to decline officiating marriages if the couple’s relationship conflicts with their “conscience or religious beliefs.”

S.B. 596 is aimed at LGBTQ+ couples, but it grants officiants the ability to refuse service to anyone. State Representative Monty Fritts (R) introduced a similar bill in the Tennessee House last year, stating to NewsChannel5 that the legislation is intended to “simply and clearly protect the rights of the officiate.” However, Huffington Post reports that there is currently no state law mandating officiants to conduct marriages they oppose.

The bill’s language primarily centers on “solemnization” – the process of conducting a wedding ceremony. However, upon its introduction last year, there were concerns that some interpreted the legislation to imply that clerks could decline to issue marriage licenses to couples they disagreed with.

“Solemnization is not issuing a license,” explained officiant Eric A. Patton. “When the clerk issues you a license, it’s issuing you a license. They are not performing the marriage rites.” Patton clarified that while clerks have the authority to solemnize marriages, many have ceased doing so since the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality to avoid potential lawsuits if they were to refuse.

In an interview with WKRN in March, Patton expressed his belief that the legislation is essentially an attempt to challenge the boundaries of marriage equality. He stated, “There’s nothing in the law right now that says anybody has to do any kind of marriage at all, so there’s no clarification that this bill provides. This bill does nothing, essentially, except open the opportunity for a lawsuit… The way they have vaguely worded this is that they’re trying to invite a Kim Davis-type lawsuit to go up against Obergefell, because they’re wanting to test the marriage equality law as it stands.”

The bill will now proceed to the Tennessee House of Representatives for further consideration and a vote.

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.

Maine lawmakers have dropped a proposal aimed at safeguarding transgender youth’s access to critical healthcare in the face of intense conservative backlash on social media, notably fueled by Chaya Raichik, a controversial figure known for spreading hate online.

Chaya Raichik, the hate influencer, spread false information by asserting that the bill aimed at protecting transgender youth’s healthcare actually legalized child trafficking.

The state’s Judiciary Committee voted unanimously, with one member absent, to halt the progression of L.D. 1735. This bill intended to safeguard transgender youth and their families from legal repercussions in other states when seeking gender-affirming care in Maine.

L.D. 1735 aimed to implement measures to shield families seeking healthcare for their transgender children in Maine. Among these provisions, the bill would declare that an out-of-state arrest warrant related to violations of another state’s law against gender-affirming care for youth would be considered Maine’s “lowest law enforcement priority.”

On social media, Raichik – who goes by “Libs of TikTok” – claimed that the bill would allow Maine to “take custody of a kid if the parents oppose s*x change surgery and the chemical castration of their kids.” She dubbed the bill the “Transgender Trafficking Bill.”

Chaya Raichik falsely asserted that L.D. 1735 legalized child trafficking based on the bill’s provision granting state judges “temporary jurisdiction” over situations involving minors.

Jurisdiction means that a judge can rule on a specific case; “jurisdiction” is not a synonym for “custody.” But Raichik still highlighted the part of the bill about jurisdiction and wrote that it “says the state can take custody of a kid if the parents oppose s*x change surgery and the chemical castration of their kids.”

Raichik proceeded to share the email addresses of Judiciary Committee members and urged her 2.8 million followers to flood them with messages.

The message was then reposted by conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, who wrote, “This is SICK! Bombard them with emails. This cannot pass.”

Donald Trump Jr. also responded to Raichik’s post, writing that “they want full control of your kids. They want parents to have no say so they can do whatever they want,” an ironic take considering those seeking to ban minors from accessing gender-affirming care are trying to take away parents’ power over their kids’ medical care.

“These people are evil and insane. Stop this madness,” Trump Jr. added.

Anti-trans activist Riley Gaines urged her followers to send letters to the Judiciary Committee that falsely claimed that the bill “would permit state government to separate children from their parents over a social issue.”

The assertion was related to the provision in the bill permitting a judge to have temporary jurisdiction over a minor present in the state to rule on such cases. Moreover, the bill did not mandate judges to favor supportive parents in custody disputes; it merely allowed judges to consider such factors.

State Rep. Laurie Osher (D) introduced the bill earlier this month as a means to prevent prosecutors from other states from interrogating trans minors and their families if they seek healthcare that is unavailable in their home states. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), for example, has been requesting medical records for trans youth from Texas who are suspected of having sought healthcare out of state.

The bill would have made Maine the fifteenth state to enact a trans sanctuary state law.