‘Don’t Say Gay’ And ‘No Promo Homo’ Laws: The Laws That Further Stigmatize LGBTs

"No Promo Homo" and "Don't Say Gay" are local or state laws that expressly prohibit educators from discussing LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) issues in a positive light. As a result, LGBT matters are mostly kept in the dark, and if mentioned, are discussed in a negative way.

YES! Or start small and remove detrimental policies like "no promo homo" laws. Looking at you, Arizona! #NYHAADchat https://t.co/Q4Cz4Jtc63

— SIECUS (@SIECUS) April 5, 2016

Laws That Don't Protect

Laws are enacted often for protection and order; however, for LGBTs, this isn't the case. "Don't Say Gay" and "No Promo Homo" are laws that take away their rights according to most LGBT groups. Instead of creating a safe place where they can be themselves without judgment and abuse, the laws make them more vulnerable, GLEN says.

GLEN is the largest homosexual advocacy group in the United States. It aims to reach out to public schools students in all levels.

Sadly, educators who are pro-LGBT are also bound by these laws, taking away their choice to fight for the LGBT, the advocacy group added. As GLSEN puts it, the laws further stigmatize LGBT students.

Aside from banning educators from talking about LGBT, the laws also eliminate any potential safe spaces for LGBT youth where they can organize activities, clubs, and discussions to support their group.

Effects of These Laws

A report from The Trevor Project shows that states with "Don't Say Gay" and "No Promo Homo" policies were found to create a less acceptable environment for the LGBTs in schools. These states were also found to have minimal LGBT-related resources.

More importantly, the schools have no effective intervention against bullying and harassment problems. In turn, students are less likely to report incidents of bullying and harassments to the staff. Lastly, the school staff were found to make homophobic remarks. Overall, GLSEN believes that these laws foster unsafe school atmosphere for them. 

Efforts are now being made to abolish some of these stigmatizing laws. The 74 featured Niante Ricks as she speaks the truth about LGBTs current situation. She hails from Sci Academy, where LGBTs feel at home. Situated in eastern New Orleans, Sci Academy has participated in a seminar that looks into local issues and addresses them with the help of their civic leaders.

Ricks, who is an African-American, presented in front of the city council president, the board of education, and local officials to push anti-bullying laws that will specifically protect LGBT students. To know more about your rights, check out the video below: