As an organization and the individuals who make up Rhode Island KIDS COUNT — we will never be silent about this.
"I was at this hearing when this horrific question was asked and the wrongful and harmful characterization of LGBTQ people was publicly made. As a Black Queer Women I was deeply impacted by this comment. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience depression and to consider or attempt suicide . Comments disguised as questions like this contribute to why many of our kids are hurting.
The LGBTQ+ community has done a lot of work to bravely come out, share our stories, and education our families and neighbors about who we are and to explain how love is simply love. Allies - our parents, siblings, friends, and neighbors - have come leaps and bounds in their support and standing alongside their LGBTQ+ loved ones. Rhode Island has been a leader in passing LGBTQ+ protection laws, yet one of our lawmakers used our State House as a platform to spew false information, flame hatred, and stomp on progress.
LGBTQ+ people and allies will not back down to bullies. We stand for love, acceptance, unity, and healing."
Paige Clausius-Parks
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Executive Director