My name is Shirley Cline, and I live in Christiansburg, Virginia. I’m appalled to learn that our governor has signed a law similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. I understand that the Department of Education has been tasked with providing guidance as to how the law will be implemented. As you do so, I implore you to recognize the harm it could bring to young people who most need to see themselves as full participants in our society, not as social deviants. Please take great care, remembering the potential for self-harm and suicide that too often seem to be the only recourse to those young people who feel rejected. This law has the power, if you let it, to further drive those children to despair. Thank you.