ACLU of DE launches “Know Your Rights” handbook for LGBTQ+ youth
DELAWARE – The ACLU of Delaware is hoping a new resources will help LGBTQ+ youth know how to better advocate for themselves. The organization recently launched its “Know Your Rights” handbook.
“We had met with several community advocates here in the state of Delaware who reported to us that there were still several students these days who were experiencing discrimination in school because they identified as LGBTQ,” said Executive Director of the ACLU of Delaware, Mike Brickner. “We also had heard from parents, from educators, who were supportive, but weren’t sure what they could do to best advocate for their students or their loved ones.”
The handbook includes and outline of the First Amendment, and how it applies to LGBTQ+ expression in schools, and vocabulary commonly used in conversations about their respective issues. It also contains a full list of LGBTQ+ rights promised in schools, and further information and resources for LGBTQ+ students, educators, and parents.
“Across the country right now, we’re seeing attacks on LGBTQ youth. We’re seeing school districts that are banning youth from playing sports or states that are banning affirming health care for transgender people. We’re seeing states that are banning books or the teaching of controversial subjects, which often times include just the affirmation that LGBTQ exist in this world,” said Brickner. “Those young people’s rights are very much under threat. We wanted to make sure that we provided them support, and also some basic advocacy tools.”
Brickner says beyond that, he hopes those unfamiliar with the LGBTQ+ community might be able to learn something from the handbook.
“I think where we’ve seen the real success in the LGBTQ rights movement over the last several decades is the ability to win hearts and minds. When you have a friend or family member or coworker who identifies as LGBTQ, that has shown that it has helped to win people over,” said Brickner. “We know that there are a lot of people out there, whether they be parents or educators or just regular community members who may be well-intentioned, but also don’t know the vocabulary or don’t know how to be a good advocate.”
The ACLU of Delaware will be sending copies of the handbooks to every school district in the First State. And, they are open to visiting schools interested in members of the ACLU giving training and guidance.
“We hope this is a way to start to plant the seeds of more equality and better school environments for LGBTQ kids across the state,” said Brickner.
