# data[].attributes.body
LGBTQ+ history and education are not included enough in school curriculum. This is important because it makes people feel represented and safer in their school community. It's important to me for the same reasons and it directly impacts me as a student.

# data[].attributes.headline
Should state and/or federal governments require all schools to include LGBTQ+ related topics and subjects in their lesson plans for students age K-12?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should state and/or federal governments require all schools to include LGBTQ+ related topics and subjects in their lesson plans for students age K-12?

# data[].attributes.body
On one side, people believe that the government should create laws requiring LGBTQ+ curriculum in schools in all states. On the other side, others believe the government should make bills to ban the discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in schools. I'm on the side of the government requiring it to be taught. I believe it would benefit schools by making students feel represented and informing everyone on the history of minorities.

# data[].attributes.body
In March of 2022, Florida's legislature passed the highly controversial "Don't Say Gay" Bill. This bill prohibits the education of sexuality and gender orientation and identity for grades K-3. Curriculum for those above 3rd grade must be considered age and developmentally appropriate for students. The state education department determines what is age and developmentally appropriate. This impacts my issue by limiting the education students of all grade levels will be exposed to. With this policy in place, some students will never be educated on topics such as transgender identity.

# data[].attributes.headline
Students should be Encouraged or Required to Learn about LGBTQ+ topics

# data[].attributes.subject
Students should be Encouraged or Required to Learn about LGBTQ+ topics

# data[].attributes.body
This topic is one that is highly controversial and divided on. On the supportive side, people believe that topics of gender, sexuality and other similar topics should be taught to all students. According to USA Today, students who were taught LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum were more likely to report their classmates as supportive. Those on this side also explain that avoiding or banning the topics worsens mental health of LGBTQ+ students and can increase suicide attempts. Others say that inclusive curriculum, like sex-ed, promotes safer sexual practices and reduces discrimination in the community.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lessons on Gender, Sexuality, and Similar Topics are Inappropriate

# data[].attributes.subject
Lessons on Gender, Sexuality, and Similar Topics are Inappropriate

# data[].attributes.body
On the side that supports the bill, parents are the main factors in determining what their children are taught. If they don't agree, many students may be taken out of the school. Their main point explains that the topics are too political and aren't age-appropriate for children. They claim that these discussions take away a child's innocence and complicate their life. Many Republican states are also attempting to move towards parents having more control of what their children learn. Parents do hold some level of right over the matter, giving them power to override the school curriculum. Parents going against LGBTQ+ education due to personal morals is the main reason it is not as widely discussed. People also argue that exposing kids to the topic forces an agenda on them and is not natural. They fear that teaching kids the subject will confuse them and push the "lifestyle" on them.

# data[].attributes.headline
LGBTQ+ Education/Rights and the Executive Branch

# data[].attributes.subject
LGBTQ+ Education/Rights and the Executive Branch

# data[].attributes.body
Joe Biden, the current president of the United States, has put in a large effort to create equality and aid for LGBTQ+ Americans. His stance on the issue is his belief in LGBTQ+ equality and support. He is in favor of HIV/AIDS treatment and research. He is also working toward breaking the stigma through sex education. In 1972, President Nixon signed Title IX of the Education Amendments. This prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs that are given federal funds. Today, it extends to discrimination on gender identity and conforming to stereotypes of male and female. Ronald Reagan was also a big activist in AIDS education. Although his efforts were perceived with resistance, he eventually wrote a report on the epidemic in 1986. He ordered education materials on the issue around the U.S to teach about its history and facts.

# data[].attributes.body
Social media and media in general are the most likely the main factor is spreading misinformation on different subjects. The myth that discussion of LGBTQ+ topics and lessons will turn a child gay is a large reason people push to ban it. This is commonly spread on places like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Those who say that LGBTQ+ people are enforcing their sexualities onto others are also to blame. In actuality, they are fighting for their rights. Another problem is the lack of coverage on the discriminations and hate crimes, minimizing the issue. For example, news outlets in Alabama and Ohio failed to fully cover the impact of bills that would strip trans youth of necessary medical care. They failed to provide context necessary to fully understand the problem. This minimizes the issue and can make it appear as though people are overreacting.

# data[].attributes.headline
LGBTQ+ Education/Rights and the Judicial Branch 

# data[].attributes.subject
LGBTQ+ Education/Rights and the Judicial Branch 

# data[].attributes.body
Sometime in 2013, Amiee Stevens was fired from her job on the basis that she was a trans woman. Two other people by the names of Gerald Bostock and the late Donald Zarda, who were also fired, were presented in court. They became the basis for the landmark case known as Bostock vs Clayton County, GA. This case argued whether or not it was right for  employees to be fired solely based on the fact that they were LGBTQ+. On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that, “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.” They also ruled that the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protected LGBTQ+ people of workplace discrimination with a vote of 6-3. Unfortunantly, Zarda, in 2014, and Stephens, in 2020, both passed before this landmark ruling. They died fighting for theirs and the rights of others. This impacts my issue protecting LGBTQ+ educators to allow them to teacher younger generations.
https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/a-landmark-supreme-court-case-for-lgbtq-educators-and-students

# data[].attributes.body
Something you can do to help spread awareness for the issue is to just be supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. An easy way to do this is to include pronouns in emails, on social media, or when introducing yourself. It normalizes public pronouns and invites others to share their own. One thing I've done to spread awareness is join LT's GSA club, PRISM. GSA, or gay-straight alliance clubs, show public support for those in the community and make a welcoming environment for them. I've also attended events the GSA has been in, like the homecoming parade and LyonCon. The more public support a school has helps to create a inclusive environment for everyone.