π³οΈβπ Educating children about LGBTQ-related issues has often caused controversy across the U.S.
π In 2019, 8 of the top 10 most challenged or banned library, school or university books contained queer content, according to @OIF.
π§ Lawmakers say parents should have a bigger say in their children's education β potentially overriding administrators.
π They also say that religious freedom means families and students should be able to challenge some material.
π₯But LGBTQ+ rights groups say the proposed bills are discriminatory.
π«There has been a barrage of "hostile rhetoric and behavior targeting vulnerable young people and books about their livesβ - @glaad CEO @sarahkateellis.
Here's a snapshot of what's happening in the U.S.π
π Oklahoma
π΅ A bill introduced could fine teachers at least $10,000 for educating children on anything that contradicts religion, which could include LGBTQ+ topics.
π Another suggests fining schools and librarians that continue to stock books challenged by parents.
π South Carolina, Texas and Utah
π Elected officials have sent letters to school districts asking them to investigate certain titles in libraries.
π One list in Texas includes more than 800 books.
π Tennessee
π« Lawmakers are considering a bill to ban the teaching of #LGBTQ+ topics in the stateβs public schools.
π It aims to ban textbooks and other educational materials that βpromote, normalise, support or address LGBT issues or lifestyleβ.
π³οΈβπ Some of the books with LGBTQ+ themes include:
π "She/He/They/Them: Understanding Gender Identity" by Rebecca Stanboroug.
π Teachers and school administrators are concerned these new legal restrictions could intensify pressure as COVID-19 continues to strain the education system.
π You can now get Colin and Connie the Caterpillar in same-sex sets.
βοΈ As part of its Valentineβs Day range, the supermarket chain is also bringing back cards for same-sex couples and making its wider range of greeting cards gender-neutral to βbe more inclusiveβ.
π₯ͺ Back in 2019, M&S caused a stir online after launching an "LGBT" sandwich, a twist on the classic BLT.
π³οΈβπ The aim was to raise money for the @aktcharity, a charity dedicated to helping homeless LGBT+ youth.
π΅π± Poland has been cracking down on #LGBT+ rights.
π³οΈβπ We've seen the creation of "LGBT-free zones" - and now lawmakers are debating a proposed βStop LGBT" law that would ban Pride parades.
β οΈ Here's why communities are worried. π§΅
πͺπΊ Poland could be the worst country to be #LGBT+ in the EU, according to @ILGAEuropeβs Rainbow Map.
π΅π± The country doesnβt allow:
π Same-sex marriage
π¨βπ¨βπ§ Adoption
π Non-binary gender recognition
πͺ Trans people to serve in the military
π Intersex people have always existed, but today they often face a mixture of ignorance and discrimination.
𧡠Here are eight facts to know π
β The definition
βοΈ #Intersex is an umbrella term for people with sex characteristics β chromosome patterns, genitals, gonads β outside the binary of male and female bodies.
πΆ The traits are sometimes visible at birth, but might not appear until puberty β or not at all.
π’ The numbers
π Around 1.7% of the global population is thought to be born with an intersex condition.
π¨βπ¦° This is almost the same as those who are born with red hair
π‘ However, many don't realise they are intersex until later in life.
π£ βShe isnβt set dressing, she isnβt a box to tick, she is a fully-fledged character that is important to her community,β wrote @Steph_I_Will.