Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Law Deems Teaching Gender Identity To Kids Below Grade 3 Inappropriate, Gets A Satirical Letter Response
While laws are rules of the highest caliber of sorts that are all formal and official and stuff, that doesn’t mean they can’t be wrong or ridiculous. Or both.
A recently passed Parental Rights in Education bill in Florida fits the above description as people continue to react to it in ridiculous ways, including this one satirical letter, which has already led people to believe (or rather assume) things, so let’s clear it up.
More Info: Twitter
Teaching kids is hard without having to impose a bunch of rules on it, but someone always does, and it’s Florida this time around
Image credits: Mundial Perspectives (not the actual photo)
So, there’s this bill—CS/CS/HB 1557 — Parental Rights in Education—that has been recently passed by the Florida Senate, and which will come into force on July 1st, 2022, which is also being dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
In a nutshell, the bill aims to enforce a parental fundamental right to make decisions on the upbringing of their children in public schools. And while all seems fine and dandy with that, there’s one part that doesn’t bode well with people.
The part we are referring to is that the bill also forbids any classroom instructions on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through grade, or which is not developmentally or age-appropriate to the kids.
After the passing of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, a letter started circulating the internet maliciously complying to the rule
Image credits: Moms4Liberty
In particular, it effectively is a template for teachers to use where they explain that they will get rid of anything that is gendered in their classroom, including the words they use
Image credits: Moms4Liberty
Why is this an issue? As the unofficial name suggests, the wording is so vague here that it could be used to justify silencing any LGBTQ+ talk in schools, and since it was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, who is part of the Republican Party, a traditionally conservative side of the political spectrum, you can guess where this is going.
This prompted a slew of reactions, including this one template letter to be distributed by teachers in protest of this bill.
The letter includes a bit of context, explaining that there’s a bill that prohibits classroom instructions on sexual orientation or gender identity to primary school kids. So, in response to this, the teacher “writing” this letter has hence decided to abstain from using any gendered pronouns or words that signify gender.
This in turn prompted many responses and even debates on Twitter after Moms for Liberty shared it
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And it’s not just he and she, but Mr. and Mrs., as well as mother, father, husband, and wife. Also, all books and instructions that even indicate any gender will also be taken out of the classroom. Think of it as a certain kind of malicious compliance to purge the classroom so hard, it becomes gender-neutral.
The letter soon took off online, most notably being picked up and shared by the Moms for Liberty, a parental rights organization in the US. In their tweet, they explained that they got this template letter from a teacher from Palm Beach Florida, and explained that it is being shared among K-3 teachers. The tweet also urges folks to take a stand and asks for their opinion on the matter.
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One person even suggested making improvements to the template, focusing more on how it’s a prohibition and not a choice
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Turns out, an internaut from Detroit, Michigan wrote and released this letter into the world as a piece of satire in hopes of helping people see the hypocrisy of this law, but it—to some extent—became a creation that started angering people who don’t understand satire, and was covered by the Huffington Post with the title “Memo Circulated to Florida Teachers Lays Out Clever Sabotage Of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law.”
Regardless, it did generate a discussion, or at the very least a slew of reactions from people on Twitter. For the most part, people were applauding the malicious compliance aspect of it, aggressively avoiding any gendering whatsoever with the use of they/them and Mx., and how it turned back at the legislators because, technically, heterosexual is also a sexual orientation, so you can’t even talk about that. Technically.
The letter is said to be originally written by a Detroitian, but it quickly found its way among Florida teachers
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There were also those who genuinely wanted to use this letter, whether they understood the satire or not. And yet others were debating the logic and the wording behind the bill. Whatever the case may be, the tweet by Moms for Liberty got nearly 10,000 likes, and this is after it has went viral in other locations.
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You can check the tweet in context here, but before doing that, share your thoughts on the matter in the comment section below!
I've been curious lately why a political party that is so obsessed with personal freedoms and liberty works so hard to take them away.
Being a middle schooler in Florida our school had a rally to remove this because our county has to contact the parents if the child is suspected of being gay and my girlfriend's parents do NOT support her and she's genuinely scared she'll get sent away. So far 3 kids have been suspended for saying "gay", and not even as an insult either. It's not very fun.
I'm so sorry for this. Every child should feel safe at school
Load More Replies...And of course, no pregnant women allowed on school campuses, right? Since chances are good they had sex to get that way. Can't have any indication of orientation.. LOVE the unintended consequences.
Republicans: *Crying* We can't teach children about queer people because that sexualizes them. Also Republicans whenever they see a male toddler playing with a female toddler: AwWwW, is that your girlfriend??
We had The Body Book where we learned about the anatomy of both sexes and um... playing Doctor, as our parents called it.
Load More Replies...To me, as an outsuder with no stake in it, it is dumbfounding how BOTH sides go completely overboard. You can only hear and read extreme viewpoints. No differentiated arguments are wanted anymore. Then you are either a xenophobe or anything alike or a snowflake. Or often accused of both sides to be both at the same timepoint. If anything, then this stupidity is the end of US. And if tge US continues that, the decline is earned.
You are correct, everything is a polarizing topic right now... so many will not hear what those in the middle have to say, as soon as we disagree on any minor point they attack with political, life choice, ect
Load More Replies...For anyone who hasn't clued in yet, the US Republican Party uses the US Constitution to wipe up the blood spilled by these "Christians" and "liberty-lovers". That's how much they respect rights and freedoms. They'd see Reagan as leftist and Eisenhower as a communist.
WOOHOO! I'm upsetting the correct people if that got me downvoted! *happy dance*
Load More Replies...I live in Scotland, for those who aren't already in the know we are the first country in the world to make LBGTQ inclusive throughout the entirety of the educational system from start to finish. Kids aren't born hating people for being different - that is taught to them, and sadly the parents play a massive part in that. I really don't understand the idea that teaching young children about differences in relationships is wrong or too complex for them to understand, or may damage their delicate state. Spoiler - they don't care. Making this totally normal from early years takes away a huge risk of being bullied or being the bully as it's not something recognised as a difference. America, and I mean this with as much love and tolerance I can muster, get your s**t together
It's always nice when your home state comes up as the topic of a Boredpanda politics post
And once again American politicians prove that they want to go back in time when being gay was illegal and transgenders didn't exist. Wonder when they will vote for mandatory gay conversion. Guess it won't be long before slavery and segregation are reintroduced and women are sent back to the kitchen.
Are Vladimir Putin and Marine LePen Americans now? If you think this is just an American problem, you’ve got your head in the sand.
Load More Replies...The comment section is exploding. Wow. I didn't think there would be SO MANY homophobes. IG welcome to the internet...
Why the hell did anyone think this was a good idea. Especially with younger kids because they don’t understand anyway? It’ll confuse them the whole time
3rd grade is 8 yrs!! Hell yeah, they know about girls and boys and mating and how it works. Dont believe me? Go ask an 8yo where babies come from and how they got there. Kids are way more perceptive than some people give them credit for. The thing is this, though : if a boy would paint his nails in school and another mocked him for it, a Florida teacher might get reported if they explained to the mocker that some boys like pretty nails and that it is okay to like what you like. Although im not sure if a private talk with that kid would be allowed and i would oonly be during class that jt isn't? Dunno
Load More Replies...Christ Americans really are thick. They didn't learn from the whole "prayer in schools" thing and now they've introduced a bill like this... Between this and banning books you have to wonder if they've learned ANYTHING in the last 100 years.
Was anyone else triggered by "Oops, I treaded on myself"? The past tense of tread IS tread! There is no such word as treaded. Maybe Florida and other states should concern themselves with actually educating their kids!!
The bill of Parental Rights in Education is so right, teachers should not be teaching us about our gender and identity.That's what our parents are there to do. Teachers are there to teach us about science's,math,and,grammar.
You are correct, Kingmerp. However, there has never, ever been any sort of agenda for teachers to instruct children with regard to gender/sexuality. This law is meant to shut down any and all potential dialog about anything that deviates from the conservative hetero agenda, and it's deeper purpose is to take away any voice from those who don't fit into their ideology.
Load More Replies...Meanwhile, the other 16 hours a day, the kids are *where*? ... if you want schools to not teach, wth are the kids going to school? And it's not a political point. It's health class stuff. Good grief.
Load More Replies...If you didn't understand this article, your homeschooling doesn't seem to be very sucessful at teaching you reading comprehension.
Load More Replies...Ok, so Scotland - where I am - is the first country to include LGBTQ in all curriculum in all stages of school. Does that mean kids get sat down and told all the gory details of every possible type of sex that people could be having? Of course it doesn't. What it does mean is that in my sons nursery class could be read a story that's about a family where the parents are both the same sex. It means that different family dynamics are explored to normalise the idea of same sex/trans couples. Move on a few years and they may read a book with the class that has a character questioning their gender identity, or feeling insecure as puberty takes hold. It's in small ways that let our children know that nothing will change who they are inside and acceptance isn't based on gender or sexuality. I couldn't care less about my kids gender or sexuality - I love them unconditionally and will continue to do so through any and all transitions of their growth into a fully formed person.
Load More Replies...My son is 5. He is the most boyish boy that ever boyed- he is absolutely a boy. Yet, this is never questioned by anyone - he's never been pushed in that direction it is just how he is - his sister isn't overly girly or too much of a tomboy and I have two teenagers who are exploring the world in their own ways. But, it confuses me as to how everyone is perfectly ok with a very boyish boy and how that's totally natural but god forbid he displays a more feminine persona - all the kids know is how they feel and what they like. They're the most genuine and real version of themselves they will ever be - they have no concept of outside influences and give zero f***s about being anything to anyone. Educating children on gender identity won't 'turn' anyone - what it will do is let those kids already coming to understand their own identity that it's not just them, they aren't alone give them a sense of safety and acceptance - how is that ever a bad thing?
Load More Replies...Totally wrong about the chromosome fact there - people can be born with many different variations of the X and Y chromosome - the most common case is XXY which is called Klinefelter syndrome but there are other variation that occur - so it's really not a case of "you're born male or female" as there's variety. And no, as a parent I don't feel I should be 100% in control of what my child learns, if I wanted that I would home school them - and as smart as I think I am I am in no way knowledgable enough to cover every topic in school - some people are better equipped to teach different topics, and which parent out of the 20+ students gets final say? I don't want the biggest idiots dictating my kids education. Again, you're wrong about discussing gender with young kids - we do it every single day - my sons parent set has come out non-binary and changed their name - my 5&7yr old didn't flinch, asked question to understand and then went back to destroying their bedroom
Load More Replies...... why would it start with H? we already have "their"
Load More Replies...Sorry mate, but the bill says no more gender talk, and I'm afraid that includes male and female.
Load More Replies...I've been curious lately why a political party that is so obsessed with personal freedoms and liberty works so hard to take them away.
Being a middle schooler in Florida our school had a rally to remove this because our county has to contact the parents if the child is suspected of being gay and my girlfriend's parents do NOT support her and she's genuinely scared she'll get sent away. So far 3 kids have been suspended for saying "gay", and not even as an insult either. It's not very fun.
I'm so sorry for this. Every child should feel safe at school
Load More Replies...And of course, no pregnant women allowed on school campuses, right? Since chances are good they had sex to get that way. Can't have any indication of orientation.. LOVE the unintended consequences.
Republicans: *Crying* We can't teach children about queer people because that sexualizes them. Also Republicans whenever they see a male toddler playing with a female toddler: AwWwW, is that your girlfriend??
We had The Body Book where we learned about the anatomy of both sexes and um... playing Doctor, as our parents called it.
Load More Replies...To me, as an outsuder with no stake in it, it is dumbfounding how BOTH sides go completely overboard. You can only hear and read extreme viewpoints. No differentiated arguments are wanted anymore. Then you are either a xenophobe or anything alike or a snowflake. Or often accused of both sides to be both at the same timepoint. If anything, then this stupidity is the end of US. And if tge US continues that, the decline is earned.
You are correct, everything is a polarizing topic right now... so many will not hear what those in the middle have to say, as soon as we disagree on any minor point they attack with political, life choice, ect
Load More Replies...For anyone who hasn't clued in yet, the US Republican Party uses the US Constitution to wipe up the blood spilled by these "Christians" and "liberty-lovers". That's how much they respect rights and freedoms. They'd see Reagan as leftist and Eisenhower as a communist.
WOOHOO! I'm upsetting the correct people if that got me downvoted! *happy dance*
Load More Replies...I live in Scotland, for those who aren't already in the know we are the first country in the world to make LBGTQ inclusive throughout the entirety of the educational system from start to finish. Kids aren't born hating people for being different - that is taught to them, and sadly the parents play a massive part in that. I really don't understand the idea that teaching young children about differences in relationships is wrong or too complex for them to understand, or may damage their delicate state. Spoiler - they don't care. Making this totally normal from early years takes away a huge risk of being bullied or being the bully as it's not something recognised as a difference. America, and I mean this with as much love and tolerance I can muster, get your s**t together
It's always nice when your home state comes up as the topic of a Boredpanda politics post
And once again American politicians prove that they want to go back in time when being gay was illegal and transgenders didn't exist. Wonder when they will vote for mandatory gay conversion. Guess it won't be long before slavery and segregation are reintroduced and women are sent back to the kitchen.
Are Vladimir Putin and Marine LePen Americans now? If you think this is just an American problem, you’ve got your head in the sand.
Load More Replies...The comment section is exploding. Wow. I didn't think there would be SO MANY homophobes. IG welcome to the internet...
Why the hell did anyone think this was a good idea. Especially with younger kids because they don’t understand anyway? It’ll confuse them the whole time
3rd grade is 8 yrs!! Hell yeah, they know about girls and boys and mating and how it works. Dont believe me? Go ask an 8yo where babies come from and how they got there. Kids are way more perceptive than some people give them credit for. The thing is this, though : if a boy would paint his nails in school and another mocked him for it, a Florida teacher might get reported if they explained to the mocker that some boys like pretty nails and that it is okay to like what you like. Although im not sure if a private talk with that kid would be allowed and i would oonly be during class that jt isn't? Dunno
Load More Replies...Christ Americans really are thick. They didn't learn from the whole "prayer in schools" thing and now they've introduced a bill like this... Between this and banning books you have to wonder if they've learned ANYTHING in the last 100 years.
Was anyone else triggered by "Oops, I treaded on myself"? The past tense of tread IS tread! There is no such word as treaded. Maybe Florida and other states should concern themselves with actually educating their kids!!
The bill of Parental Rights in Education is so right, teachers should not be teaching us about our gender and identity.That's what our parents are there to do. Teachers are there to teach us about science's,math,and,grammar.
You are correct, Kingmerp. However, there has never, ever been any sort of agenda for teachers to instruct children with regard to gender/sexuality. This law is meant to shut down any and all potential dialog about anything that deviates from the conservative hetero agenda, and it's deeper purpose is to take away any voice from those who don't fit into their ideology.
Load More Replies...Meanwhile, the other 16 hours a day, the kids are *where*? ... if you want schools to not teach, wth are the kids going to school? And it's not a political point. It's health class stuff. Good grief.
Load More Replies...If you didn't understand this article, your homeschooling doesn't seem to be very sucessful at teaching you reading comprehension.
Load More Replies...Ok, so Scotland - where I am - is the first country to include LGBTQ in all curriculum in all stages of school. Does that mean kids get sat down and told all the gory details of every possible type of sex that people could be having? Of course it doesn't. What it does mean is that in my sons nursery class could be read a story that's about a family where the parents are both the same sex. It means that different family dynamics are explored to normalise the idea of same sex/trans couples. Move on a few years and they may read a book with the class that has a character questioning their gender identity, or feeling insecure as puberty takes hold. It's in small ways that let our children know that nothing will change who they are inside and acceptance isn't based on gender or sexuality. I couldn't care less about my kids gender or sexuality - I love them unconditionally and will continue to do so through any and all transitions of their growth into a fully formed person.
Load More Replies...My son is 5. He is the most boyish boy that ever boyed- he is absolutely a boy. Yet, this is never questioned by anyone - he's never been pushed in that direction it is just how he is - his sister isn't overly girly or too much of a tomboy and I have two teenagers who are exploring the world in their own ways. But, it confuses me as to how everyone is perfectly ok with a very boyish boy and how that's totally natural but god forbid he displays a more feminine persona - all the kids know is how they feel and what they like. They're the most genuine and real version of themselves they will ever be - they have no concept of outside influences and give zero f***s about being anything to anyone. Educating children on gender identity won't 'turn' anyone - what it will do is let those kids already coming to understand their own identity that it's not just them, they aren't alone give them a sense of safety and acceptance - how is that ever a bad thing?
Load More Replies...Totally wrong about the chromosome fact there - people can be born with many different variations of the X and Y chromosome - the most common case is XXY which is called Klinefelter syndrome but there are other variation that occur - so it's really not a case of "you're born male or female" as there's variety. And no, as a parent I don't feel I should be 100% in control of what my child learns, if I wanted that I would home school them - and as smart as I think I am I am in no way knowledgable enough to cover every topic in school - some people are better equipped to teach different topics, and which parent out of the 20+ students gets final say? I don't want the biggest idiots dictating my kids education. Again, you're wrong about discussing gender with young kids - we do it every single day - my sons parent set has come out non-binary and changed their name - my 5&7yr old didn't flinch, asked question to understand and then went back to destroying their bedroom
Load More Replies...... why would it start with H? we already have "their"
Load More Replies...Sorry mate, but the bill says no more gender talk, and I'm afraid that includes male and female.
Load More Replies...
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