KYC Response to Holi-Drag Event Cancellation
On Saturday, December 3, 2022, we learned with the rest of the community that the Holi Drag Storytime event was canceled due to a lack of alignment concerning methods for safety and security. And while we share in the collective disappointment, we are also celebrating that not one young person was engaged in the potential violence and volatility that loomed over the event.
KYC was initially scheduled to table as a community partner at the event; however, made the swift decision to decline the invitation in response to the threats of disruption and potential danger promised by hate groups planning their attendance. As stated by our executive director Erin Upchurch, “Our community is in a specifically vulnerable space right now, and we take all threats seriously. While we recognize and support the importance of visibility, we also prioritize promoting safety for our team and community; especially our youth”
Currently, in the state of Ohio, there are multiple bills and resolutions proposed that not only dehumanize and discriminate against our young people; they also grossly compromise their physical and psychological safety, specifically in schools. Nationwide, schools are already hostile environments for a distressing number of LGBTQIA+ students, the overwhelming majority of whom routinely hear anti-LGBTQIA+ language and experience victimization and discrimination at school. The 2021 GLSEN National School Climate Survey reports that during the 2021-2022 academic year, 83.1% of LGBTQIA+ students experienced harassment or assault. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ youth are 120% more likely to be homeless; with the largest reason for homelessness/housing insecurity being discord with families, decreased safety, and being kicked out of their homes of origin. We also know that our young people experience higher rates of mental health symptoms and risk of suicide; not because they are inherently prone to these experiences, and not because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, but rather are placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.
The mission of KYC is to serve and support LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. And in service of this mission we are committed to creating, sustaining, and promoting opportunities for all young people to experience safer spaces, affirmation, belonging, and access to community. We will always stand for the safest experiences and programs possible; and will continue to collaborate with aligned private security, community safety teams, and when absolutely necessary, other appropriate and relevant options for safety, in support of keeping the young people in our collective care out of harm's way.
Please join us as we continue to center Ohio’s young people and work to create a world where thriving is undeniably possible.
Here are some ways to support LGBTQIA+ youth right now:
KYC was initially scheduled to table as a community partner at the event; however, made the swift decision to decline the invitation in response to the threats of disruption and potential danger promised by hate groups planning their attendance. As stated by our executive director Erin Upchurch, “Our community is in a specifically vulnerable space right now, and we take all threats seriously. While we recognize and support the importance of visibility, we also prioritize promoting safety for our team and community; especially our youth”
Currently, in the state of Ohio, there are multiple bills and resolutions proposed that not only dehumanize and discriminate against our young people; they also grossly compromise their physical and psychological safety, specifically in schools. Nationwide, schools are already hostile environments for a distressing number of LGBTQIA+ students, the overwhelming majority of whom routinely hear anti-LGBTQIA+ language and experience victimization and discrimination at school. The 2021 GLSEN National School Climate Survey reports that during the 2021-2022 academic year, 83.1% of LGBTQIA+ students experienced harassment or assault. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ youth are 120% more likely to be homeless; with the largest reason for homelessness/housing insecurity being discord with families, decreased safety, and being kicked out of their homes of origin. We also know that our young people experience higher rates of mental health symptoms and risk of suicide; not because they are inherently prone to these experiences, and not because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, but rather are placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.
The mission of KYC is to serve and support LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. And in service of this mission we are committed to creating, sustaining, and promoting opportunities for all young people to experience safer spaces, affirmation, belonging, and access to community. We will always stand for the safest experiences and programs possible; and will continue to collaborate with aligned private security, community safety teams, and when absolutely necessary, other appropriate and relevant options for safety, in support of keeping the young people in our collective care out of harm's way.
Please join us as we continue to center Ohio’s young people and work to create a world where thriving is undeniably possible.
Here are some ways to support LGBTQIA+ youth right now:
- Submit testimony and tell the Ohio State Board of Education to reject Member Mike Toal's second resolution at the next Board meeting on December 13, 2022
- Testify and attend the OSBOE meeting on December 13, 2022 to show your support
- Contact your representative and tell them to vote no on HB 151
- Tell a young person about programs and services at KYC
- Affirm and love the young people in your life.
For public or media comments and questions, contact: [email protected]
