Protect LGBTQ Youth, Vote Against HB 105

Governor Dunleavy proposed HB 105 under the guise of protecting the children of Alaska. The best thing Alaska can do for LGBTQ youths in our lives is to help prevent suicide. To address the issue of protecting our community’s children, in 2022, The Trevor Project did a national survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, capturing the experience of close to 34,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 24 across the United States. This data provided critical insights into the unique suicide risk factors faced by LGBTQ youth and the impact of relentless anti-transgender legislation on these children. The Trevor Project’s study found that 45% of LGBTQ youth had seriously considered suicide in the last year. 14% of LGBTQ youth acted on these thoughts. For non-binary and transgender youth, that number jumps to 1 in 5 children attempting suicide. Unsurprisingly, the study found that LGBTQ Youth who live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ people reported significantly lower rates of considering suicide than those who grew up in unsupportive communities. To require transgender or non-binary students to use bathrooms designated for the sex they were assigned at birth further alienates LGBTQ youth and makes Alaska a hostile, unsupportive environment for students. Alaska already has some of the highest rates of suicide in the country. Schools are dedicated to supporting students. Teachers are some of the most empathetic people in our community. Forcing them to “out” youth trying to figure out their sexuality or gender identity is cruel to the children, teachers, and school staff who support them. In addition, the precedent set by HB 105, allowing parents to sue already drastically underfunded school districts, will only further the teacher shortage crisis in the state while also pillaging the limited resources of school districts. It would require districts and individuals to pay for insurance to protect themselves from litigation, further shrinking resources in an already underfunded system. By requiring parents to provide written permission for their students to participate in sex-ed classes, HB 105 would burden parents and families already working multiple jobs to make ends meet while raising and supporting Alaskan children. Sex education ensures that young people have the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, learn how to have healthy relationships, and think critically about their choices. It allows students to identify intimate partner violence, helps prevent child sexual abuse, and lowers the likelihood of young people contracting STIs. I urge you to oppose the passing of HB 105 and consider the harmful impact on youth it would have. Rather than furthering sentiments of bigotry and hate, let’s sow seeds of hope and acceptance for Alaska’s kids. Thank you for your consideration and representation of your constituency.