SF school students walk out in protest of anti-trans laws
ebar.comAbout 250 middle school students in San Francisco took to the streets — well, the sidewalk — May 17 and made it clear they stood opposed to the anti-LGBTQ actions of state governments around the country.The students used the observance of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, or IDAHOBIT, to stage the short walkout.Nearly a third of the 900 students at James Denman Middle School in Balboa Park poured down the stairs of the entry to the school at 10 a.m.
to participate in a student-led — and faculty approved — walkout, protesting the rising tide of state-sponsored anti-LGBTQ legislation in places like Florida, Texas, Alabama, and numerous other states.Organized by the school's 20-member Diversity Club, the students carried signs and banners bearing messages like "Proud ally," "Born this way," and "Don't label us." They gathered in front of the school in a cacophony of excited voices, calls from teachers and staff to stay out of the street, and chanting."Safe schools under attack!
What do we do?" demanded the chant leader. "Stand up! Fight back!" the crowd roared in return. "Supportive families under attack!
What do we do?" the leader called out. "Stand up! Fight back!" the students responded.Watching over all this with clear excitement was 14-year-old eighth grade student Jamison Ledbetter, who had spent the previous three months planning and organizing the event along with other Diversity Club members.
