You might’ve seen headlines about Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill – maybe on the news, on social media, or floating around TikTok. But if you are not from the US, it might seem like something happening far away and not something to worry about.
Spoiler Alert: It is not just an American Issue.
What is the Don’t Say Gay Bill?
The official name is the Parental Rights in Education law, but most people call it the “ Don’t Say Gay” bill. It was passed in Florida in 2022 and originally banned classroom discussions about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools (that is up to age 8 in US terms). Since then, it’s expanded to cover more year groups.
There are many complicated and convoluted laws within this one bill. The short breakdown is that teachers are not allowed to talk about LGBTQ+ topics with their students – and that includes basic conversations, like acknowledging that a student may have two dads or discussing different types of families during a lesson.
The law doesn’t apply to “sex education”—it’s much broader than that. It’s vague, and that is part of the problem. Many teachers aren’t sure what is allowed anymore, so they avoid the subject to avoid getting in trouble.
Why Is This a Big Deal For LGBTQ+ People
For LGBTQ+ teens and kids, representation can be life-changing. Seeing yourself reflected in school – in books, lessons, teachers, even posters on the wall – helps you feel accepted and safe. It gives a sense of belonging and normalises different diverse families and people, meaning that you don’t feel as alone.
But this bill says, “Don’t talk about that. Keep quiet.” And that message is incredibly damaging. It tells young people that who they are is something to be ashamed of. That their identities are somehow inappropriate just because they exist.
All of this leads to silence, isolation and shame, which we know contributes to poor mental health and increased bullying. And it doesn’t stop in the classroom. Policies like this fuel wider attitudes that make it harder for LGBTQ+ people to feel seen, safe or supported.
Haven’t We Been Here Before?
If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve already done this – on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the US, there was “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – a military policy from the 90s that allowed LGBTQ+ people to serve in the military only if they kept their identities hidden. If they did come out or got found out, they could be kicked out of the military. The attitude back then was pretty much “You can be here, just don’t be open about it”.
In the UK, we had Section 28 – this was a law back in 1988 that banned schools and councils from “promoting homosexuality”. That meant no positive mention of LGBTQ+ people in education or local services. Teachers were afraid to support students or even acknowledge LGBTQ+ issues.
These both sound very similar, right?
Both of these laws told LGBTQ+ people to remain invisible and, in turn, created a rhetoric of not being welcome or accepted.
This is happening yet again with this “Don’t Say Gay Bill”. It’s a different year, but exactly the same tactics.
Why This Affects All Of Us
Even if you do not live in Florida or the US, this kind of legislation sets a tone. It’s a green light for others to copy it. And in some cases, they already are.
Similar bills are popping up in other US States, and even in the UK, we’ve seen rising political pressure around “what’s appropriate” to teach kids when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
People are trying to roll back progress under the guise of “protecting children” when in reality, they are just making life harder for LGBTQ Youth. We’ve also heard a lot about how damaging Trump’s second term has been for LGBTQ+ people.
Silence doesn’t protect kids – Education does. Visibility does. Safe Spaces do.
What Can We Do to Help?
You may feel like What is the point of helping? This matter just does not affect you, but if you want to remain living in a world where freedom of speech and expression are celebrated and encouraged, then you can help by doing these things:
- Speak Up – Whether you’re in a classroom or on social media, your voice matters. Push back against harmful laws and call out policies that exclude and erase.
- Support Queer Youth – Be that safe person. Whether you are a teacher, parent, friend or ally, show kids they’re not alone.
- Know Your History – From Section 28 to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, it is so important to understand how these patterns repeat themselves – so that we can break them before they happen again.
- Vote, Campaign, and Get Involved – If you’re in the US, UK, or anywhere else, your vote and voice can drive real change. Support leaders and policies that value inclusion.
It's Not Just About Florida
The “Don’t Say Gay” bill isn’t just about Florida. It’s about how we treat LGBTQ+ people everywhere. – especially in this next generation of youth.
It’s about creating a world where kids all over grow up feeling proud of who they are, or if we want to create a world where they are scared to embrace their true selves.
We’ve come a long way, but this reminds us that progress isn’t permanent. It needs protecting.
So whether you are in Manchester or Miami. Let’s Keep Saying Gay.
Be Loud. Be Proud And Be Unapologetically You!
Help and Resources for the “Don't Say Gay” Bill
To complement this article on the Don’t Say Gay bill and its implications, here are some resources available for both UK and US readers:
United States Resources:
The Trevor Project: A leading organisation offering 24/7 crisis support services, research, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. They provide resources on understanding LGBTQ+ identities and guides for coming out and how to do so safely.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Provides resources for LGBTQ+ youth, including support services and educational materials for youth-serving professionals.
LGBT National Help Centre: Offers confidential peer support, information, and local resources through hotlines and online chat rooms for youth under 19.
United Kingdom Resources:
Mind: Offers services to support LGBTQ+ mental health and well-being, including support groups and counselling.
Barnados: Supports LGBTQ+ children, young people, and their families in the UK, providing direct support around gender and sexual identities.
Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT): A charity supporting LGBTQ+ youth aged 16-25 who are homeless or living in hostile environments.
Educational Resources
LGBTQ Curricular Laws – Movement Advancement Project: Provides information on policies related to LGBTQ inclusion in school curricula across the US.
Section 28 Background – LGBT+ History Month: This offers a detailed background on Section 28, the UK law that banned the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools.
Community and Advocacy:
GLAAD Resource List: A comprehensive list of resources for various LGBTQ+ needs, including political, youth, and legal support.
It Gets Better Project: Aims to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe, offering inspiring stories and educational resources.
In our opinion, these organisations and resources offer valuable support and information for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, helping to navigate challenges and promote inclusivity in various aspects of life.
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