This bill makes me uncomfortable as a student that is part of the LGBTQIA+. It is heterosexist, as discussing topics relating to the LGBTQIA+ Is not inherently sexual and implies that heterosexuality is “normal” or “superior”. This will delay, if not prevent the understanding of this minority, but also cause the students within that group to be negatively impacted. It creates vulnerability to those students, and can lead to mental health issues.

A survey details that 42 percent of LGBTQIA+ students and 52 percent of transgender students had been suicidal, compared to heterosexual youth with a 15 percent.

Source of statistics:

https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/Virginia-Snapshot-2019.pdf

Please do not allow erasure within education. The negative impact it will create can stop LGBTQIA+ students from contributing after education. There have been many people part of this minority in the past that have been able to contribute something meaningful. The gender of which someone you are attracted to should not be considered “sexually explicit”. The warning of “homosexuality” being discussed in a classroom will only allow bigoted and heterosexist people to take advantage of this.