By Kat King
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/25/20 – Eliza Byard said it best: “It has been an incredible week of #RespectEverywhere!”
#RespectEverywhere is a digital social impact campaign centered on sustaining vital connections in and amongst the LGBTQIA+ community, its educators and students alike, who were able to reach hundreds of thousands of supporters. Lifting up LGBTQ students is the sole purpose of this movement, and it’s a worthy one.
LGBQ+ students are some of the most active members of their generation. Help them shape our future by encouraging them to register to vote. Their “Break the Silence” voter registration campaign has already reached millions of supporters.
Byard informs us that Betsy DeVos has funneled millions of dollars to private religious schools that can discriminate against LGBTQ+ students.
“The far right is taking advantage of this pandemic, targeting trans students across the country with nearly 40 hateful bills, and undermining more than a decade of progress on school safety and bullying prevention.”
GLSEN is meeting with state authorities to keep the needs of the most vulnerable LGBTQ students front and center.
Maybe Jennifer Beals inspired you because her character’s story on The L Word resonated with you. Perhaps you were motivated by one of the many celebrity advocates who introduced you to this incredible, impactful work. I want to also thank Jim Parsons, Ellen Pompeo, Wells Fargo and many, many other sponsors and partners of the #RespectEverywhere, which has raised over $600,000 to ensure all students are protected.
Leslie Jordan fans should know that Leslie has created a limited edition t-shirt, and the proceeds from every shirt will all go directly to GLSEN. If you’ve donated $10, you can win a chance to virtually “hang out” with him!
Shannon Beveridge & National Student Council presented the GSA Award of the Year to Ilima’s Rainbow Royales GSA for their extraordinary work in the state of Hawaii at their local middle school. Yes, middle school. We barely even had a GSA at my high school for five minutes, so KUDOS TO THESE AMAZING KIDDOS! The Rainbow Royales don’t just hang out and support each other. They work ceaselessly together with state representatives to support legislation to ensure LGTBQ students feel safer.
As a former classroom teacher and youth acting coach, I’m beyond inspired. These kids went to their state legislature and testified on behalf of their fellow peers to advocate for feminine hygiene products to be provided free of charge to anyone who needs them on campus.
If these kiddos are any indication, the future of the LGBQTQIA+ community is in purpose-driven, impactful and altogether good hands. Let’s continue to lift them up. Let’s continue to support their efforts, and let’s make sure there is #RespectEverywhere.
