This just in from Outright Vermont:
[Today ], from 1:00 to 1:20 p.m., Vermont students will join thousands of peers across the nation in what could be the largest LGBTQ+ youth led walkout in history. They are protesting the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ+ actions that queer youth advocates say will further endanger a population already at elevated risk of bullying, violence and suicide. All students are strongly encouraged to participate, and adult supporters to stand in solidarity with youth. Outright Youth Organizers — a cohort of Vermont teens working with Outright Vermont to lead social justice initiatives in their communities – are rapidly mobilizing to support Vermont students’ participation in this national action.
“I urge you to join us on this walkout, as not only a protest against violence and hatred, but also as a celebration of queer joy and visibility,” youth organizer and Montpelier High School student Charlie McCaffrey said.
Outright Vermont’s Youth Organizers hosted an online meeting [yesterday] to provide information about the walkout and support youth who want to get their schools involved. Youth organizers [are also hosting] an alternative online event for those unable to walk out in person. In addition, Outright is calling on school staff and administrators to support students in participating, and encourages all adult supporters to contact their lawmakers and voice support for Vermont’s LGBTQ+ youth. “By standing with youth in solidarity across the nation, adults can communicate clearly that they do not stand for hate, fear, and misinformation about LGBTQ+ identities and realities,” says Outright Director of Organizing V Pearson.
As the nationwide political divide continues to grow, hatred and discrimination against LGBTQ+ youth are escalating. By participating in the national walkout, Youth Organizers and students around the state aim to make Vermonters aware that attacks on LGBTQ+ rights are present everywhere, including here in Vermont. Just last month, an anonymous group of parents threatened legal action against the Dresden School District — an interstate district including Norwich, VT and parts of New Hampshire — to require schools to disclose students’ trans status without the student’s consent. Amidst a strong public backlash, the threat was withdrawn, but McCaffrey and the other Youth Organizers urge supporters to remain vigilant, warning, “If these bills pass, I am certain they will not be the last.”
Outright Vermont is a queer youth advocacy, education and youth organization based out of Burlington, Vermont. More: outrightvt.org
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