Welcoming LGBTQ+ Persons and Trans Youth in Yellow Springs

Yellow Springs Pride, the Antioch College Queer Center, Yellow Springs Schools Gay-Straight Alliance, and the Inclusive and Resilient Yellow Springs Coalition stand together in support of LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender youth.

In recent weeks, heightened efforts to silence and condemn the LGBTQ+ community are rampant, causing harm to our LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender youth. In Texas, the Attorney General and Governor issued a directive stating that affirming care for trans children is abuse, and that parents and professionals supporting such care should be subject to investigations and criminal penalties. Meanwhile in Florida, legislators are working to criminalize discussion of LGBTQ+ identities in children’s classrooms grades Kindergarten through third grade.

Thirteen other states are pursuing legislation to join in this legal discrimination, totaling almost 45 bills that will negatively impact the LGBTQ+ community. This hurts all of us who seek to widen the circle of human concern through justice, inclusion, and equity. All transgender children deserve support and belonging – embracing one’s identity should be celebrated. We write as one voice to affirm the belonging of LGBTQ+ persons, and especially transgender youth, in the Village of Yellow Springs.

Yellow Springs has a proud history of LGBTQ+ inclusion, legislation, and leadership. LGBTQ+ persons are welcome in Yellow Springs. We affirm and appreciate LGBTQ+ persons in the Yellow Springs Schools, at Antioch College, in the Village of Yellow Springs, and in our institutions and public spaces. We call on members of the Yellow Springs community to support our trans community members vocally and through policy and action. Join us in celebrating our LGBTQ+ residents every day, and notably on Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.

In solidarity,

Inclusive and Resilient Yellow Springs Coalition Members:

Antioch College

The Coretta Scott King Center for Cultural and Intellectual Freedom

Livable/Equitable/Age Friendly Yellow Springs

The 365 Project

Yellow Springs Community Foundation

Yellow Springs Exempted Village School District (Yellow Springs Schools)

Yellow Springs Home, Inc.

Yellow Springs Senior Center

Local LGBTQ+ Organizations:

Antioch College Queer Center

Yellow Springs Pride, Inc.

Yellow Springs Schools Gay-Straight Alliance