Greetings GLSENeer,
May the Fourth Be With You!
WE’RE HERE! WE’RE QUEER! AND WE’RE LOOKING TO GRADUATE!
Despite the shadow of the Drag Story Hour ban and the Senate abortion vote, this past Wednesday LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Day At The Capitol was overwhelmingly positive - generating conversation around how and what youth envision for the future.
In this week’s Policy Postcard we reflect on YOUTH DAY AT THE CAPITOL and share a round up of local and national news.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
ARIZONA LGBTQIA2S+ YOUTH DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Traditionally, Arizona’s LGBTQIA2S+ youth are engaged in legislation when they need to advocate for their existence to be acknowledged and respected; for the government to cease being intrusive and exclusionary to their lived experiences. LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Day was and will continue to be an opportunity for youth and their allies to bring joy and visibility to the inhabitants of Capitol.
Hosted by Rep. Lorena Austin from Mesa and moderated by Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers from GLSEN’s National Office, LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Day At The Capitol was focused on and meant to build upon the voices, experiences, and advocacy of youth – and we did just that.
Thirty youth brought their voices, their future and their dreams to the Capitol and spoke their truths. Youth spoke about their realities and things most students think about this time of year: final tests, end-of-year parties, and for some - graduation; rather than showing up at the Capitol to ask elected officials to simply let them exist. This is what makes this day so amazing - hearing directly from youth about their lived experiences and what policies could help improve their learning spaces and what policies could amplify their joy!
While the Governor was unable to meet on LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Day, they will be celebrating Pride Month in June with events with youth - so contact us if you would like to be included in those events!
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Leave Rep. Austin a message thanking them for hosting LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Day At The Capitol! Call (602) 926-3968 and share your gratitude!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Given the narrow one-vote anti-LGBTQ+ majority, many of the bills we have highlighted are expected to pass once brought for a vote and sent to Governor Hobbs. Stay tuned and watch for our veto ask of her in the coming weeks!
LOCAL GLSEN EVENTS
JOIN US TODAY for inclusive trilingual storytime, fun book building and more as we commemorate #LGBTQIA2S+ inclusive literature.
Location: Downtown Flagstaff Library
Address: 300 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Time: 1pm to 4pm
*registration not required
BILL TRACKER
Our 2024 Arizona Legislative Session Bill Tracker which kept up to date by our advocacy partner working group.
REGISTER TO VOTE
YOUR VOTE IS ESSENTIAL!
Voting is the most crucial way by which you are able to participate in our democracy!
IMPORTANT DATES:
Register to vote. Deadline for the 2024 Primary Election is Jul 1, 2024
IN THE NEWS
4th Circuit: Gender Identity Is A Protected Characteristic, Blocks State Coverage Bans Read More.
Arizona lawmakers vote by a narrow margin to repeal Civil War-era abortion ban Read More.
United Methodist Church lifts bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings. Read More.
LGBTQ+ Youth Struggle With Mental Health and Are Deeply Impacted by Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws, New Survey Shows. Read More.