Author: Natalie Schriefer

Natalie Schriefer, MFA, often writes about pop culture, sexuality and coming of age. She's currently querying a YA novel with an asexual protagonist. Say hi on Twitter: @schriefern1.

Here’s Why The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Won’t Work

I was 25 when I was finally ready to admit I wasn’t straight. I was lucky politics didn’t factor into my journey. It’s a luxury today’s students don’t have, between policies like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and the Texas directive that orders state agencies to investigate gender-confirming care. Avoiding these topics won’t stop kids from being queer—it will just leave them feeling isolated. It will leave them closeted and at risk.