I know this week hasn’t been easy, John.

Though it’s in these trying times that I’m finding more strength than ever in how the GLSEN community is stepping up – working across the country to ensure that LGBTQ students are supported and protected as schools close.

That’s what we should all be doing right now: Taking care of ourselves and our communities. But unfortunately, a fringe group of lawmakers in Idaho are using this crisis as an opportunity to advance attacks on LGBTQ students.

On Monday, the Idaho Senate passed HB500, legislation banning transgender students from participating in sports and creating a dehumanizing process to “dispute” a student athlete’s gender before competing. This bill will soon be heading to Governor Brad Little’s desk for his signature – and he needs to hear from you, now!

Tell Idaho’s Governor: The country is watching! Veto this attack on transgender youth – and start focusing on protecting our students during the COVID-19 crisis.

Our GLSEN team is working around the clock to support our chapters and students across the country – and this is one piece of the work you can rest assured we’ll take on.

If any lawmakers have the audacity to exploit this moment to harm our students, we’ll be the first to let you know and give you the tools you need to take action immediately.

The anti-LGBTQ movement has already said they hope to use Idaho as a national example: If they can pass HB500 here, they’ll keep exporting this dangerous bill to other states across the country.

That’s why we all need to step up now to put the pressure on Governor Little to veto this bill when it reaches his desk. Click here to rush a message urging the Governor to veto HB500 – and help us show transgender youth in Idaho that GLSEN supporters across the country have their backs!

We can’t let this bill fly under the radar. We must all speak out today – before HB500 becomes law!

Please know that GLSEN is here to support you in these challenging times. Our community to support LGBTQ youth has never been stronger. <3 

We’re in this together,

Eliza Byard
Executive Director