Green Mountain State Update
Coalition against bullying
A coalition of the state’s nonprofits, Vermont Narratives for Change, organized a news conference at the State House in March calling for legislative action against bullying and harassment in the state’s schools.
The state has seen a spike in harassment and discrimination at schools, particularly against BIPOC, disabled and LGBTQ+ students. The coalition is advocating for legislation like a bill sitting in the House Committee on Education that would expand the role of the Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing and Bullying Prevention in Schools.
“You can go after this and tell (legislators) they need to move the bill forward,” Coalition Co-coordinator Amanda Garces said. “We need to implement restorative and trauma informed practices. Punitive discipline alone does not fix our schools climates.”
“It could not be more urgent to ensure Vermont is a place where all youth, including LGBTQ youth, are safe, supported and celebrated throughout our education systems,” said Outright Vermont Executive Director Dana Kaplan. “Vermont must not, and will not, back down. We know that when institutions with power stand firmly on the side of justice, it does reassure young people.”
Vermont Narratives for Change aims to shed light on experiences with harassment, hazing, and bullying in schools through storytelling. The project seeks to raise awareness about the impact of these negative behaviors and advocate for positive change within schools statewide.
More: vtnarratives4change.my.canva.site
A win in Bennington
Voters in Bennington, Vermont, elected Jacklyn Matts, formerly the board president for the Bennington-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit Queer Connect and chair of the 2024 Bennington Charter Review Committee, to serve on town council.
An entirely volunteer-run nonprofit, Queer Connect‘s mission is to increase “visibility in the community and to build resources for LGBTQIA people and their families living in and around Bennington, Vermont.”
“Bennington is a town built on hard work, resilience, and heart,” Matts told the Bennington Banner. “It’s part of what makes our town special. I am ready to work together with all members of the Select Board and the people of this community to build a Bennington where everyone has the opportunity to thrive – a town we’re all proud to call home.”
Trans Health Care Access Act
Marking Transgender Day of Visibility earlier this week, Congresswoman Becca Balint of Vermont introduced the Transgender Health Care Access Act, “a federal bill designed to expand access to lifesaving, evidence-based gender-affirming care across the country,” according to The Advocate.
“Republicans are obsessed with attacking trans people. It’s dangerous,” Balint said in a public statement. “Over and over again, they use messages designed to get Americans to fear one another and to divide us. As Republicans use their power to take away health care and continue to attack and dehumanize trans folks, I’m not standing down.”
The bill proposed annual funding to improve instruction at medical schools and licensing programs, for training for medical professionals, for community health centers, and for rural providers, all focused on improving care for transgender individuals.
A grand opening
A grand opening for the first LGBTQ+ public space in Rutland in decades was celebrated at Bailey’s Place bar in mid-April.
“It’s not only good for the members of the community, LGBTQ+-wise, but also for those who live here, because, think about it, this is going to be bringing people from all over, especially the younger crowd, which we need more of around here,” said Bailey’s owner Faith McClure. “A lot of us are moving away, you know, we’re more of a drive-through state.”
Posted McClure on Facebook just before the opening, “A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has put in their time, effort, and skill—whether it was construction, painting, cleaning or lending a helping hand in any way. Your dedication means the world, and we appreciate you more than words can say!”
Bailey’s Place is located at 13 Evelyn Street.
More: Bailey’s Place/Facebook
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