(Concerning :Model Policies Concerning Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content)

Queer content is NOT inherently sexual, just like heterosexual content is not inherently sexual. Students in Virginia read assigned material about straight couples, such as Romeo and Juliet, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Jane Eyre. None of this is viewed as sexually explicit. Teachers will discuss heterosexuality in front of the class, such as offering advice to students about asking dates to a school dance, none of which is viewed as sexually explicit. Claiming that queerness is sexually explicit will cause students to believe it is abnormal or wrong. This will DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTE to the suicide rates of queer youth. ALL STUDENTS deserve to feel SAFE and SEEN at school. Censoring their identities will only cause a lack of education in Virginia student bodies, and an increase of shame, guilt, and fear among queer youth. Queerness is NOT inherently sexual.