Out Sen. Shevrin Jones Breaks Down in Debate Over 'Don’t Say Gay' Bill
Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones broke down in tears as the controversial “don’t say gay” bill was debated on the Senate floor.Florida’s first out senator, he shared his personal struggles in coming out in 2018 at age 34.
He offered an amendment to the legislation, which could prohibit any instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity through third grade and limit talk at all grade levels to be “age-appropriate.”Jones’ amendment would have limited any attempts to change a students’ gender identity or orientation, something referenced by Gov.
Ron DeSantis as he decried teachers saying: “don’t pick your gender yet.” The amendment failed on a 22-16 vote, earning just one Republican vote of support.But what moved Jones more than the legislative process was the flood of students at the Florida Capitol protesting the bill. “I don't think y'all understand how much courage it takes to show up every day,” Jones said. “Imagine living your life for 30 years and you coming to your parents and you talk about who you are.
And you're lying to them about who you are.”That’s what Jones did most of his adult life, living in a marriage for years despite being a closeted gay man.
