News Summary
Students from Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans organized a protest against proposed anti-LGBTQ bills by Louisiana lawmakers. Coinciding with the International Transgender Day of Visibility, approximately 500 attendees highlighted the potential harm these legislative measures could cause to LGBTQ youth. The protest featured speeches emphasizing the importance of respecting chosen names and pronouns, alongside concerns over bans on gender-affirming healthcare and censorship in educational settings. The event underscored the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals in a challenging political climate.
New Orleans – On March 31, 2023, students from Benjamin Franklin High School organized a significant protest against a series of proposed anti-LGBTQ bills by Louisiana lawmakers. This demonstration coincided with the International Transgender Day of Visibility and aimed to raise awareness about the potential harm these legislative measures could inflict on LGBTQ youth.
Approximately 500 attendees participated in a city-wide protest following the event at the school, which took place right outside Benjamin Franklin High. Protesters showcased their support by carrying Pride flags, wearing stickers, and chanting messages like “We are trans, and we are proud,” and “These bills kill.” The demonstration provided a platform for queer students to deliver impactful speeches that conveyed the dire consequences these legislative actions could have on their lives.
Vincent Jarand, a 16-year-old transgender student, characterized the proposed legislation as a dangerous precursor to broader societal persecution. Similarly, Jackie Kimbrough, a 17-year-old Black transgender student, expressed the urgency of fighting for equality and safety amidst an increasingly hostile political landscape. Protesters highlighted specific bills under discussion, including ones that would require school staff to adhere to the names listed on students’ birth certificates and misgender transgender youth, summarily disregarding their preferred identities.
One student shared research findings indicating that respecting a person’s chosen name and pronouns can significantly reduce the risk of suicide among transgender individuals, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive policies. In addition to these measures, the protesters also voiced concerns over legislation aimed at banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors and a bill similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” measure, which seeks to limit discussions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in educational settings.
The protest not only spotlighted these crucial issues but also highlighted the mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ youth, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emotional toll these legislative actions can take on vulnerable communities was a powerful theme throughout the demonstration.
Furthermore, attendees drew attention to another proposed bill that would impose restrictions on library access to materials considered to have “sexual content,” raising questions about censorship and academic freedom in schools. The atmosphere at the protest remained overwhelmingly supportive, with many passersby in the French Quarter offering encouragement and solidarity to the protesting students.
Student activism at Benjamin Franklin High has been an ongoing effort, evidenced by their prior walkouts against anti-inclusion proposals. Demonstrators aimed to conduct a peaceful protest, effectively utilizing their collective voice to advocate for LGBTQ rights and to oppose discriminatory legislation that threatens their well-being and future prosperity.
This demonstration marked a pivotal moment in New Orleans as students rallied together not only to protect their rights but also to stand in solidarity with the broader LGBTQ community, emphasizing the importance of visibility, acceptance, and equal treatment for all individuals.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: New Orleans High School Ranked No. 1 in Louisiana
- AP News: Transgender Visibility in Student Activism
- Advocate: Don’t Say Gay Bill in Louisiana
- Google Search: Transgender Day of Visibility Protests
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
