May 2022 Update

*ID: “May Monthly Update”* *www.freedomoklahoma.org/news* *and the FOK logo. The background is a picture from Pride with a light blue overlay with orange and blue lines and dots*

We’re doing more than fighting, we’re building something, together.

This past week was especially tough, and the result is one bill still eligible to advance that cruelly targets 2SLGBTQ+ kids by creating a hostile school environment that includes censorship of gender and sexuality, a provision that would cause school counselors to out 2SLGBTQ+ students who seek 1-1 counseling, and language targeting bathroom access for trans students. SB 615 is the worst kind of policy, and Senate Leadership don't have to hear it all.

Take action, read our full statement, and help spread the word.

This Legislative Session has been incredibly difficult, and it’s not over yet. We are so grateful to each of you for continuing to show up and push back. We know these efforts are exhausting. But let’s not conflate queer liberation with progress at the Legislature. Our lives do not improve the instant they implement affirming policy, and our support systems do not disappear the moment they try to legislate us out of existence. The work that you’re putting in to push back against these attacks is not sustainable. But it is temporary. We’re working year-round towards something they will never be able to take from us– a world that is safe for 2SLGBTQ+ people. It’s the long game, and it’s our love for one another makes sustains our efforts. Two Spirit, trans, and queer people aren’t going anywhere. We belong here, have always been here, and we will always be here.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 27th. That means that while we have 4 more weeks of showing up and pushing back, we will also have 4 weeks of opportunities for community, joy, and solidarity. This month’s newsletter includes links to our educator, caregiver, and student community groups, and our ongoing book ban bingo is still going strong on our social media. Follow us for updates and ways to stay connected and supported.

We’re in this with you. Thank you for being in this fight with us as well.

With love and solidarity,

Freedom Oklahoma

Important Links:

ID: an orange gradient background with the following text from a Twitter screenshot: If you missed it, or don't have the capacity to watch the full insta live, the TLDR of our update is, in addition to SB 615 & SB 9 in the House, last night, floor substitutes were filed in an attempt to shuck 3 bills in the Senate, to advance new attacks on 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans.

**2SLGBTQ+ Community Groups**

Be sure to sign up for our 2SLGBTQ+ Teacher, Parent/Guardian, and Student Virtual Community Groups! We’ll be discussing legislative changes, best practices, a new sexual health education initiative, and the beginnings of our annual Leadership Summit! As always, we are here to listen to any issues you or your students may be facing and work towards creating positive change. Come catch up with us and take some deep breaths as school starts to enter high-stress mode for the end of the school year. We look forward to seeing you there!
**Teachers:** Tue (4/5), 4:00 - 6:00 pm
**Caregivers:** Wed (4/6), 5:00-7:00 pm
**Students:** Thurs (4/7), 5:00-6:00 pm

ID: A collage of paper scraps and a photo from Pride at Scissortail Park to the left, along with our logo. Text: “2SLGBTQ+ Youth Organizing & GSA Support.” and “Freedom Oklahoma | 2SLGBTQ+ Community Groups | Teachers: Tuesday, 5/3 | Parents/Guardians: Wednesday, 5/4 | Students: Thursday, 5/5”