Everything You Need To Know About Florida’s Anti-Trans Youth Bill
Photo by Chance Agrella.
It's no coincidence that this was published on Trans Day of Visibility. If you’ve been following Shifter Mag for a while, you’ll know that we’re all for promoting inclusiveness and equality in entertainment and media. However, we want to shift gears (no pun intended) to report on news related to the LGBTQ+ community and other pressing issues. So buckle up, because this week we’re discussing Florida’s recent anti-trans youth bill.
What is it?
Proposed by Representative Kaylee Tuck and Senator Kelli Stargel, the SB2012 bill intends to “promote equality of athletic opportunity” but will result in gender discrimination. The bill will require athletic and sports teams to be based on students’ biological sex rather than their gender identity. This will prohibit transgender students from participating in school sports. For instance, a transgender girl wouldn’t be allowed to join the girls’ soccer team at her school.
Why is it relevant?
The SB2012 bill is set to become effective July 1 of this year. On March 23, the bill was approved 6-4 at the Florida Senate Education Committee. SB2012 is currently on the Senate Health Policy Committee’s agenda. Despite public outcry and news coverage, the anti-trans youth bill may be ratified.
"This isn't about sports, it's another way to marginalize and demonize the transgender community."
– Gina Duncan,
Equality Florida's director of transgender equality
How can I help?
Although there isn’t much you can directly do unless you’re a Florida Senator, you can make some noise and let your voice be heard by contacting the Senate Health Policy Committee. Their phone number is 850-487-5824 and their mailing address is 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100.
Senator Manny Diaz Jr. is the Chair of the Health Policy Committee and Senator Jason Brodeur is the Vice-Chair. You can find their contact information, as well as the rest of the committee members, here.