As tensions grow around LGBTQ+ rights, four major mass media outlets are taking action to oppose Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney, Comcast, WarnerMedia, and Paramount will all air a powerful PSA supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
The announcement from LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD titled “Protect Our Families,” spotlights a Texas household. Parent Amber Briggle introduces viewers to her son Max, who is transgender.
“If you’ve never met a transgender child before what I want you to know is that that child is no different than yours,” Briggle explains in the announcement. “They have the same hopes and dreams and deserve the same equality as your child does.”
“Trans kids don’t have a political agenda. They are just kids,” the Briggle continues in the clip.
According to CNBC, the clip will be broadcasted in several states where lawmakers are proposing legislation challenging critical LGBTQ+ rights.
“Families with transgender kids are just like any other family: they love their kids unconditionally and simply want the best for them,” said a message on the Equality Now organization's site, echoing the message of the PSA. “But some politicians are trying to tear these families apart.”
Officially known as the Parental Rights in Education bill, Florida's new act ultimately prohibits the instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools, grades kindergarten through third.
Disney’s involvement comes off the heels of public scrutiny after CEO Bob Chapek, refrained from openly opposing Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation until after it passed through the Florida Senate. This sparked an outcry from Disney fans and even resulted in walkouts from hundreds of company employees.
Additionally, the country is seeing more state legislation attacking transgender youth, specifically school athletes.
The latest being South Carolina which passed a ban on trans school athletes competing in women's sports.This instead requires them to compete as the gender listed on their birth certificate rather than the gender they personally identify with.
States like Arizona Idaho and Pennsylvania have already passed similar acts with many others thought to follow.
1 comment
A beautiful, touching advertisement.