GLSEN Condemns Elon Musk's Transphobic Misinformation Campaign
For Immediate Release: July 17, 2024
Contact: press@glsen.org
GLSEN Condemns Elon Musk’s Transphobic Misinformation Campaign Against California’s SAFETY Act
New York, NY (July 17, 2024) – GLSEN, a leading national organization dedicated to ensuring safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students, strongly condemns Elon Musk’s recent efforts to spread misinformation about California's SAFETY Act, a landmark law designed to support transgender youth.
The SAFETY Act, recently signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, is grounded in the principle that families, not state officials, are best positioned to navigate the conversations about a child coming out and their gender identity. This vital legislation prevents school staff and politicians from intervening in these deeply personal discussions, ultimately protecting and strengthening the relationship between parents and their transgender children.
“We commend Governor Newsom and the California legislature for their leadership in advancing these essential legal protections,” said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN. “This law is a crucial step in safeguarding the rights and well-being of transgender youth, ensuring they can openly discuss their gender identity with the support and understanding of their families.”
By spreading misinformation about this law, Musk perpetuates a harmful pattern of promoting transphobia and using his platform to attack the LGBTQ+ community. GLSEN left Twitter last year due to its increasing hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, under Musk’s leadership. His actions—both through policy changes that facilitate anti-LGBTQ+ attacks and through his own rhetoric—create a hostile environment.
“GLSEN remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ youth and advocating for inclusive school environments where every child can thrive,” continued Willingham-Jaggers. “We urge community leaders, educators, and allies to stand with us against this dangerous misinformation and support the SAFETY Act’s mission to protect transgender youth and their families.”
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ABOUT GLSEN
GLSEN, the nation’s largest advocate for LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education, has been dedicated to establishing inclusive schools and learning environments for over 34 years. Amidst increasing threats against LGBTQ+ youth nationwide, GLSEN actively addresses harassment and discrimination by empowering educators, advocating for policy changes, and combating book bans through its Rainbow Library Program, which provides LGBTQ+ affirming literature to over 6 million students across 30 states.