Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Pulse Nightclub Survivor Pens Powerful Thread About Why 'Don't Say Gay' Laws Are So Dangerous

Pulse Nightclub Survivor Pens Powerful Thread About Why 'Don't Say Gay' Laws Are So Dangerous
J. Merritt/Getty Images for GLAAD; Francisco Hidalgo/Future Publishing via Getty Images

In a heart-wrenching Twitter thread explaining the danger behind Florida's "Don't Say Gay" legislation, a survivor of the Pulse Nightclub shooting drew public attention to the bill's inherent discrimination.

Brandon Wolf explained the harmful impact of demonizing conversations with LGBTQ+ youth about their sexual orientation and gender identity.


In his tweets, Wolf first shared his story of being outed at 17, kicked out of his church and forbidden from speaking with fellow students in his classes. He explained the dangerous epicenter of the rhetoric used against him was that he was "contagious."

See the full thread below:



In his post, he wrote:

"A threat. Contagious. Dangerous."
"I didn’t know it at the time, but those same insinuations had been used to dehumanize & justify discrimination against LGBTQ people forever."
"They’re also the same insinuations fueling Don’t Say Gay legislation now."


He continued:

“Accusations of a sinister plot by LGBTQ people to indoctrinate and corrupt aren’t new―they’re the oldest trope in the book.”
“Bigots lobbed them while they tried to ban us from being teachers, serving our country, getting married, adopting children, and using the bathroom ... And those tired accusations are being wielded as weapons once again.”


Wolf wrote:

“So let me say what I wish *anyone* had the courage to tell me when I was labeled a dangerous, 17 year old contagion: LGBTQ people are a normal, healthy part of society who deserve to be valued and seen."
"That’s what we’re fighting for. And I won’t apologize for it.”


In 2016, the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida was the scene of the second worst mass shooting by a single gunman in U.S. history and the second deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since 9/11. Wolf argued the war waged against LGBTQ+ people carries on with this bill.

Many parents and advocates agree.

On Thursday, a joint federal lawsuit was filed against the state of Florida over the new law, signed into effect last week. The plaintiffs are families of Florida school children and a number of advocacy groups who allege the law is unconstitutional.

The complaint was filed on behalf of, among other groups, Equity Florida of which Wolf is Press Secretary.

Supporters flocked to Wolf's post with compassion.


One person shared:

"Powerful, Brandon. Thank you for sharing your experiences."
"It is an atrocious law, like so many passed by the Florida Legislature and championed by the unscrupulous man we call 'governor.'"

Many related to Wolf's story, sharing their own similar ones.

One person shared:

"I was out at 16. Kicked out."
"My parents told all of my friend's parents. I had nowhere to go. I wasn’t welcome anywhere anymore."
"Ended up at a group home for homeless boys. It was a long and rough road."
"I wouldn’t wish that on anyone."

The ramifications of this law are still being found.

Educators are already saying they will refrain from even referencing LGBTQ+ language, references or concepts, fearing they will face repercussions from the state if they do.

More from Trending

Carrie Coon
HBO

'White Lotus' Star Carrie Coon Reveals Why Scene With Her Character's Nonbinary Child Was Cut

The third season of HBO's The White Lotus hasn't shied away from depicting our dark moment in American politics, but there was one story element that proved a bridge too far, it seems.

In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, actor Carrie Coon said her character Laurie was supposed to have a nonbinary child with they/them pronouns. But the brief scene between her and her child was cut following Trump's election.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vivian Wilson; Elon Musk
@vivllainous/Instagram, Scott Olson/Getty Images

Vivian Wilson Claims Elon Musk's Former Liberal Views Were Just A 'Marketing Scheme'

Elon Musk's estranged trans daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson set the record straight about the tech billionaire's supposed liberal beginnings, alleging that his persona was merely a ruse and part of a “marketing scheme.”

Wilson, who legally changed her name and identity in 2022 when she was 18, interviewed with YouTuber and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who asked her what the "transition was like for your dad to go from a liberal darling…"

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Slammed After Saying He's 'Not Joking' About Running For A Third Term

Republican President Donald Trump was ridiculed for insisting he was "not joking" about running for a third presidential term, which would violate the Constitution under the 22nd Amendment, stating a President cannot be elected beyond a second term.

In an NBC interview Sunday morning, Trump maintained his allies were pushing for a third term for the Trump administration.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Donald Trump
Fox News

Trump Ripped For Bonkers Answer After Being Asked To Define What A 'Woman' Is

President Donald Trump was called out after he was asked by a conservative reporter at the end of Women's History Month to give his definition of a "woman"—only to show that he doesn't even know his own talking points let alone those of the wider GOP.

This past Friday, Trump attended the swearing-in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, where he also took questions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Karoline Leavitt
C-SPAN2

Karoline Leavitt Gives Mind-Boggling Update On Signal Group Chat Scandal—And Critics Are Furious

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was called out after she dismissed reporters' questions amid revelations that Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg was invited into a Signal chat with high-level Trump administration officials, particularly Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussing military strategy surrounding war strikes in Yemen.

Lawmakers from both parties have increased their calls demanding an investigation into the Signal scandal. The latest push came from Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee, who on Monday sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard calling for an independent probe.

Keep ReadingShow less