Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law has inspired Republican lawmakers in over a dozen states to introduce copycat legislation meant to silence discussion of LGBTQ subjects in schools. Some states are targeting transgender youth by preventing them from participating in sports and going after doctors and parents who provide gender-affirming medications and procedures. While Republican politicians rack up culture war victories in state capitals across the country, LGBTQ children are left to suffer the consequences.
George Washington University faculty experts are available to provide context, insight, and commentary on the current wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Stephen Forssell is the director of the university’s LGBT Health Policy and Practice Program. Professor Forssell can discuss the rise in anti-LGBTQ youth legislation from multiple perspectives. Much of his research has focused on same-sex parenting and child development and can explain how this legislation could affect LGBT children.
David Huebner is an associate professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Huebner’s focuses on the intersection of psychology, public health, and social justice. He can delve further into the mental and physical health effects the measures may have on LGBTQ children.
Katrina Pariera is an associate professor of communication at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. Professor Pariera is an expert on parent-child communication and can provide insight on how the new legislation could impact the relationships between LGBTQ children and parents and other adult authority figures.