COLAGE released the following statement about Ohio’s newest attack on COLAGErs and our families:
Last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 8 (HB8) into law, a measure closely mirroring Florida’s infamous (and now defanged) “Don’t Say Gay” bill from 2022. This bill not only actively silences LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and administrators, it also silences queerspawn. By prohibiting discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in educational settings, House Bill 8 denies COLAGErs the ability to speak openly about our families and erases our lived experiences.
This legislation is a direct attack on LGBTQ+ families and the inclusive education systems that foster understanding, belonging, and growth for all students. Under the pretense of parental empowerment, it removes the autonomy of LGBTQ+ parents to advocate for their children, while encouraging an environment of discrimination and exclusion. The law’s vague and broad language creates fear and confusion, effectively censoring students, parents, and educators from acknowledging the diverse realities of modern family structures.
COLAGE stands in vehement opposition to this bill and the harmful precedent that continues to spread within the United States. Our organization exists to amplify the voices of queerspawn, who are too often erased in the national narrative surrounding these discriminatory policies. HB8 is not about protecting children; it is about perpetuating queerphobia and transphobia and enforcing systemic discrimination under the guise of “morality.”
In Florida, we saw legal challenges partially overturn the most restrictive aspects of similar legislation, allowing for the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity outside of formal educational instruction. We are hoping legal opposition will be brought forward in Ohio to scrutinize and challenge this law. Such oppressive measures are not only unjust but lack substantive legal standing.
It is our mission to ensure that queerspawn grow up in a world where our families are recognized, respected, and celebrated—not silenced. We urge all Ohioans to stand with us in rejecting this harmful legislation and to demand a future that values equity, inclusion, and justice for all families.
Read our report on the experiences of people with LGBTQ+ parents in schools from 2023, learn more about COLAGE and our work, and help support us as we continue to provide community and empowerment for people with LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers.
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