An elementary school teacher in Florida is under investigation for alleged “indoctrination” after she showed her students a Disney movie with a gay character
Another day, another horror story out of Florida’s public education system. Amid the state’s highly controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law (which prohibits educators from saying anything about sexual orientation or gender identity at school), a fifth-grade teacher is now under investigation for showing a Disney movie in her class that happened to include a gay character.
Teacher Jenna Barbee was reported to the school board after she allowed her students to watch Strange World, a 2022 PG-rated Disney film. She told the school board it contained no inappropriate content, it tied into her earth science lesson, and she had permission slips from all her students’ parents allowing them to watch PG-rated movies in class.
But conservative school board member Shannon Rodriguez says Barbee violated district policy by not getting the movie approved by school administrators before showing it. She says a parent complained that the film wasn’t appropriate and that Barbee is now “playing the victim.”
“It is not a teacher’s job to impose their beliefs upon a child: religious, sexual orientation, gender identity, any of the above,” Rodriguez said. “But allowing movies such as this, assist teachers in opening a door, and please hear me, they assist teachers in opening the door for conversations that have no place in our classrooms.”
In a TikTok video, Barbee explained that she’s a first-year teacher, and the incident has left her wondering about her future in public education.
“I’ve had to learn so much this year,” Barbee told reporters. “I work with teachers who have taught for 20 years, 30 years, tell me every day it never used to be like this. Times have changed so much and they are so micromanaged, they’re not allowed to teach anymore. They’re basically a caregiver who has to teach the standards. Teachers stay for the children, but because of the laws and the fear of being let go for saying one wrong thing, they can’t connect to their students.”
Even if it’s true that a parent complained about their child seeing a movie with a gay character in it, you have to wonder what they’re trying to accomplish here. Do these parents think their children will go through life without ever encountering a gay person? What’s the end goal?
Kids deserve education that accurately reflects the world around them, and teachers deserve to be able to teach (and connect with their students) in safe environments where they aren’t at risk of losing their jobs for situations like this.
We searched every borough to bring you the complete list of family-friendly events and exhibits happening this month, and they have one key thing in common: they’re all free!
November might mean cooler temps and fewer outdoor activities, but that doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop. In this list, you’ll find dozens of free and low-cost events in November 2022 for families and kids throughout the five boroughs of NYC.
Join NYC as it transitions from fall into winter with beloved seasonal events and fun one-off activities: Visit the yearly winter markets, most of which are returning in November, see the lighting of the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree, celebrate Thanksgiving by giving to the community, and much more. Plus, check out fun and free events for kids and families in November that will educate, engage, and entertain everyone in the fam. And as always, discover all the museums in New York City that offer free admission to visitors, whether it’s all the time or on special days.
Drag Story Hour for Neurodiverse Kids at Bronx Library Center Nov. 5: Drag artists read to kids in an extra-special readalong designed specifically for kids with autism and other disabilities. The event aims to introduce kids to the idea of gender fluidity, and generally put on a fun and bright performance they’re sure to enjoy. Event details.
Bronx Night Market at Fordham Plaza Nov. 26: Good food and a friendly atmosphere make an evening at the Bronx Night Market a fun experience for the whole family. Purchase noms from local food vendors, or check out the kid zone, educational booths on food and nutrition, and a Instagram Wall-O-Fame. Event details.
Free Soccer Sessions at Williamsbridge Oval Throughout Nov.: Head to the game room at the WBO for free soccer sessions for kids. The sessions are beginner-friendly and teach everything from footwork, passing, and basic drills to teamwork and a positive attitude. Event details.
Brooklyn
Bulb Planting on West Street Nov. 5: Help beautify the new Greenway at West Street and Greenpoint Avenue in this volunteer event. Plant bulbs next to the new trees and bring even more green to the street. All tools and gloves will be provided—just bring yourself, some water, and layers in case of a chill. Event details.
FAD Market Fall Pop-up at Empire Stores in DUMBO Nov 5 and 6: Over 30 artists and small businesses make the FAD Market a great place to browse for unique gifts—after all, it’s almost time for the holidays! While you’re there, you can explore the parks under the bridge, go for a spin in Jane’s Carousel, or stick around in Empire Stores for lunch at Time Out Market’s 20+ food vendors. Event details.
Thursgiving Holiday Giving Event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Nov. 17: Give back to the community by bringing coats and clothes, and wrapped, unopened gifts for kids this holiday season. The donation event is a whole party, complete with a DJ, snacks, and raffles. The more gifts you bring, the more the community gets, but there are also prizes given out for donations, including a private tour of the Yard for families, groups, or businesses that donate 25 items. Event details.
Weekend Nature Exploration at Prospect Park Sat. and Sun. throughout Nov.: The Audubon Center is leading kids on weekend adventures through the wild side of Prospect Park. Every weekend in November, stop by 10-12 to borrow a discovery pack—a backpack filled with tools like binoculars and nature activity ideas, 11-12 for live animal encounters, and 12-1 for a volunteer cleanup session. Event details.
BAM Kids 2022 Throughout Nov.: Foster a love for movies, music, and the arts at the annual BAM Kids festival. Join the Brooklyn Academy of Music for kids concerts and animations. Featured this year are the music and performance of Fyütch, and the whimsical animated movies “Joyful Adventures” and “Follow Your Dreams.” While the BAM kids festival isn’t completely free, most tickets are either pay as you wish or very affordable. Event details.
Manhattan
Jazz at One at Trinity Church Nov. 1, 8, 15, and 22: Catch the final three jazz performances of the season at Trinity this month. Featuring performers The Coleman Hughes Sextet, Samara Joy, Theo Walentiny Trio, and Edmar Castañeda Quartet. Visit the space in person at 1 p.m., or watch for free online on the website. Event details.
Image from 2021 Mexico Week courtesy of Tishman Speyer and Rockefeller Center.
Mexico Week: Día De Muertos at Rockefeller Center Leaving Nov. 2: Rockefeller comes alive with the colors and artwork of Mexican culture during Mexico Week for this year’s Day of the Dead. The event, which is leaving on November 2, will feature sculptures by Cesar Menchaca, including a huge jaguar and Quetzalcoatl, as well as some very well-dressed (and familiar!) skeletons. For more Day of the Dead fun, check out our list of Día De Muertos events in NYC this year. Event details.
Concert at One: ChamberQUEER at Trinity Church Nov. 2: Part of their “Performances at One” series, this extra-special performance features ChamberQUEER. The artists will highlight queer figures from the history of classical music. As with their other performances, this one can be watched in person or online. Event details.
Image courtesy of Chris Lee and Carnegie Hall.
Carnegie Hall Family Day: String Fling
Nov. 5: Kids ages 3-10 are invited to get up close and personal with string instruments. Billed as a “musical adventure,” this hands-on event lets participants create a small performance, relax to peaceful music, jam along with an Afro-Brazilian capoeira band, learn about West African stringed instruments, and more. Event details.
The Rink at Rockefeller
Nov. 5: The rink at Rockefeller is reopening on November 5, officially ringing in the winter season. While a spin on the rink isn’t free (tickets start at $11), watching the skaters on the ice is a cozy winter activity for the family. Explore the area—make sure to stop by the family-favorite Nintendo Store—or get a hot chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat and sit by the rink and people-watch. Event details.
Wellness in Harlem Nov. 5: Sample free food at this party, held at La Placita (at 116th and Park). The event will feature music, giveaways, drinks, and free food from beloved restaurants and brands, including vegan donuts from Planet Back, a Caribbean version of Caesar Salad from YAYB, and much more. Event details.
Breakaway Hoops Trial Class in Harlem Nov. 5: Breakaway Hoops is offering a free trial class for kids ages 8-12. Get a sneak peek at what you can expect from the program, and have some fun with drills and fundamental skill development. All participants must bring their own basketball. Event details.
Seaport Kids: Pumpkin Decorating and Pumpkin Arch Nov. 5 and 6: Drop in and decorate some pumpkins for Thanksgiving. Led by Private Picassos, this free crafty workshop will have foam pumpkins, markers, and plenty of pom-poms for kids to get creative with their pumpkin creations. While you’re there, check out the Pumpkin Arch on Pier 17, which is leaving on November 7, for a seasonal photo-op. Event details.
Sensory-friendly Mornings and Evenings at the Intrepid Nov. 5 and Nov. 18: The Intrepid is opening its doors early for young kids on November 5, and closing them late for teens and adults on November 18. These special openings are designed specifically with people with autism in mind, and feature sensory-friendly activities led by experts. This month, the children’s program will introduce them to airplane design, while the teen and adult program will focus on the museums’ exhibit, “Women Astronauts of the Space Shuttle Era.” Event details.
Garden Volunteer Session at Jefferson Garden and Mad Fun Farm Nov. 5 and 19: Join other volunteers from Concrete Safaris in making the gardens and parks around the city even more beautiful. Activities vary, but some things you may find yourself partaking in include weeding, planting flowers, fruits, herbs, or veggies, shoveling topsoil, spreading mulch, picking up trash, and more. Event details.
Closing Day at Hester Street Fair Nov. 6: Hester Street Fair is leaving until next year, and they’re going out in style: with a shopping party! The event will have a live DJ, and will be your last chance to check out local vendors, delicious food, and more fair fun. Event details.
Silent Clowns Film Series: Charlie Chaplin at NYPL for the Performing Arts Nov. 12: The New York Public Library pays tribute to the great star, Charlie Chaplin. Catch a screening of Chaplin’s movies from 1915, with a live piano accompaniment by Ben Model from MoMA and an intro and Q&A by film historians Model and Steve Massa. This event is free, but seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis so show up early if you want to sit. Event details.
ConEd Family Day at the Morris-Jumel Mansion Nov. 12: Visit Manhattan’s oldest house-turned-museum for their monthly family day. This month, visitors will make their own colorful suncatcher ornaments. Note that masks are still required for attendees ages 2 and over. Event details.
Adventures from The Shed at 14th Street Y Nov. 12 and 19: Kids 2-5 years old are invited to Liondown’s Birthday—but first, they’ll need to help Mary-Jo and her friends come up with a present for him in time for the party. This puppet adventures feature singing, dancing, and storytelling that’ll have kids singing along and participating in the experience. Event details.
Poster Kids: Junior Fashionistas at the Poster House Nov. 13: The Poster Kids is taking on Air-India’s Maharaja mascot, and this time the focus is his wonderful fashion sense. Kids ages 5-11 are invited to learn about the Maharaja’s style, and make their own art that they can wear using recycled textiles. Event details.
Architecture for Animals at The Skyscraper Museum Nov. 19: The city might be home to humans, but it’s also home for many animals. In this family program from The Skyscraper Museum, participants will learn about architecture in the animal world, like beehives, dens, and bird nests. Then, kids will design an apartment with one animal’s needs in mind. This program is recommended for ages 4-8 and RSVP is required. Event details.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Nov. 24: Whether you plan on attending or you prefer to watch it from the comfort of your own home, no list of free events in NYC in November would be complete without the world-renown Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Joining the lineup for the first time this year will be the Baby Shark family (don’t get the song stuck in your head!), Bluey the dog, and Geoffrey the Giraffe, in celebration of the return of Toys”R”Us in Macy’s stores. Plus, walk by the area in the days leading up to the parade to see the floats being inflated. Event details.
Eldridge Arts & Learning: Stained Glass at the Museum At Eldridge Street Nov. 27: Learn about the beautiful stained glass windows at the museum, as well as the history and purpose of stained glass windows. Then, make your own design for a window by creating a collage. This event is free for holders of a Cool Culture Pass or a SNAP benefits card. Event details.
Tree Lighting at the Rockefeller Center Nov. 30: The spectacular Christmas Tree is making a comeback to Rockefeller Center Plaza. Standing at close to 100 feet tall and topped by a nine-foot Swarovski Star, the lighting of the tree is a huge event every year. Visit to watch over 50,000 lights light up in a spectacular display. Event details.
Canstruction NY at Brookfield Place Nov. tbd: The annual Canstruction exhibit is coming back to Brookfield Place this year. The event features spectacular structures made from cans, as well as a chance for visitors to donate canned goods for charity. Stay tuned to the website for dates and more details as they become available. Event details.
Queens
Making Music With Friends at Church in the Gardens Nov. 19: Learn how friends make music together and join in the fun with this 45-minute interactive concert for kids. Kids of all ages are invited to hear chamber music and engage with the performers. If you want to attend the paid concert after this event, you can present your free ticket to get 50% off the ticket price. Event details.
Hands on History: Queens Hip-Hop at King Manor Nov. 19: Celebrate national Hip-Hop Month at this month’s free family day at King Manor. Learn about some key 90s rap and hip-hop legends, with a special emphasis on those who come from Queens. Then, make your own trading cards and microphone for your future performances. Event details.
Buckets for Blue: Volunteer Cleanup Sat. and Sun. throughout Nov.: Help clean part of the Raritan Bay’s shoreline by collecting the trash and plastics that litter the shore. Visitors can borrow buckets and grabbers from the park’s visitor’s center. Event details.
Tues. throughout Nov.: Bring your toddler (ages 0-4 are best suited for this activity) to the nature center at Clay Pit Ponds for a morning of fun and exploration. The The day begins indoors, as kids explore a different nature theme each week. Then, if the weather’s nice, the group moves outside for a short hike. Event details.
Various and Other Locations
Pumpkin Smash Events Do you have leftover pumpkins from Halloween? Bring them to a pumpkin smash! This is chance to destroy your old pumpkins before they go bad in a fun way, but also recycle them for fertilizing! Check out all the places that are hosting pumpkin smash events.
Libraries Around the City Throughout Nov.: Libraries all around the boroughs have something going on basically every day! Stop by your local library and enjoy their free programming. There’s something for everyone, from baby singalongs and toddler craft times to teen tech time, and more.
A few highlights for November include the Children’s Film Series at the NYPL for the Performing Arts on Nov. 10, where you can watch a classic children’s movie on a 16mm projector, and the Solar Race Cars workshop at Allerton Library, where kids will build their own solar-powered vehicles, then race them against each other (if there’s time):
November might bring in the cold, but it’ll also bring in the welcoming warmth of the city’s holiday markets. These holidays feature vendors from the city and beyond as well as delicious and comforting food. Check out these seasonal markets arriving in NYC for the winter this month:
Seeds (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 1: Just one final day in November to see this massive roots transformed into a seed sculpture by artist Jaime Miranda-Bambaren. You can view this statement on humanity encroaching on nature at Thomas Paine Park.
The Great Debate (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 13: Standing at 16 feet tall, this fiberglass sculpture depicts artist Hebru Brantley’s character, Flyboy. The character is a take on the superhero genre by the artist, who drew inspiration from the Tuskegee Airmen—WWII’s first African-American military pilots—to create his vision of what a black superhero might look like. Flyboy stands proudly at The Battery.
The Giving Tree (Queens) Leaving Nov. 23: The colorful Giving Tree by Haksul Lee, located at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is more than just an art piece: It’s a functional piece of architecture. The installation uses wind power to generate electricity, which has powered some of the lights in the park and allowed visitors to charge their devices. It’s departing from the park in November, but hopefully its message stays on.
Going Back to The Meadows (Queens) Leaving Nov. 23: This tribute to Queens native LL Cool J by Sherwin Banfield is fun and functional, as well: The speakers are solar powered. Visit the piece before it leaves at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Faces of Harlem (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 30: This community-centric outdoor photo wall in Morningside Park takes a look at Harlem residents private indoor spaces, highlighting the themes of connections and isolation. There are over 100 photos to look at, taken by 10 modern artists as well as three youth photographers.
Good Neighbors (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 30: This photo wall commemorates community members from around the Anibal Aviles Playground, by displaying their images along with short interviews. Created by J Maya Luz, this installation shares a wall in the playground with a number of other artworks, inclkuding a memorial for the park’s namesake.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
Located a stone’s throw away from Yankee Stadium, this museum displays modern art with a focus on urban experiences and culture. Explore what it means to be a part of the NYC community, and specifically the demographic in the museum’s neighborhood.
The museum is always free, and has a permanent collection as well as rotating special exhibits.
1040 Grand Concourse
Concourse Village Online:bronxmuseum.org
Wave Hill
This gorgeous garden has 28 acres of carefully cultivated plants, flowers and woodland. Take a stroll through the indoor Alpine House, stop for a photo-op of the Hudson River and the Palisades at the Pergola, or sit and relax by the Aquatic and Monocot Gardens. The space frequently hosts family-friendly programs so be sure to check their calendar before you head out.
New York Botanical Garden
With over 250 acres to see, the New York Botanical Garden can definitely be a whole-day affair. The Garden is open rain or shine, and has a mix of indoor and outdoor gardens to explore. See seasonal flowers and native plants, a peaceful rock garden, an entire forest, and much more. The Garden also conducts research, hosts family and child-oriented events, and has online seminars — including one where experts will answer your questions about why your potted plant is looking a little droopy.
Free admission is available for NYC residents on Wednesdays.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is like an educational playground for kids. Find exhibits created specifically for little ones to view and learn with, as well as many hands-on activities that teach through fun and play. Don’t miss the NEST, an organic playground located on the museum’s roof, the water-based play space, or the newly opened Jurassic Mini-golf.
The museum’s Amazon Free Hours grant free admission to all visitors on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum explores the joys of self-taught artists from the 1800s all the way through today. These artworks symbolize authentic American culture and experience through time and provide a snapshot of life in different time periods. Along with beautiful photographs and arts on canvas and board, the museum has some unique collections like weather-vanes. The museum has a number of coloring and activity pages that kids can enjoy from home, as well.
National Museum of the American Indian
Part of the Smithsonian Institution family, this museum honors American Indians. It displays modern and classic art by people of American Indian heritage, and teaches visitors about their cultures and traditions. It also frequently has performances, educational programs, and more.
The Skyscraper Museum
Look to the skies at the Skyscraper Museum where NYC’s iconic skyline is explored and celebrated. The museum’s exhibits look at the architecture of the city’s buildings, the literal rise of skyscrapers in NYC, and all other things related to the city’s buildings and their history. The museum also often hosts free family events both at the museum and in different locations around the city.
Admission to The Skyscraper Museum is free through December.
The Jewish Museum
View a celebration of Jewish culture, heritage and artwork at this museum. Exhibits highlight art and photography by Jewish artists, from modern artists working today to key historical figures who helped shape the way art and Jewish culture intersect. The museum also hosts free special events, from museum tours for people with memory loss, to art-making workshops for children and families.
The Morgan Library and Museum
The Morgan Library, which was started by Pierpont Morgan and is now continuously growing, hosts a collection of rare and unique books. While the books in the library itself aren’t available for visitors to browse, you can marvel at the beauty of the library and visit the exhibits, which often show old books, newspaper clippings, and other historic artifacts.
Entry into the Library is free on Tuesdays and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., no reservation required. Free Friday programs take place every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and these do need a ticket, which are released for reservation a week in advance.
Museum of Jewish Heritage
This museum examines the history of Jewish people, the hardships they’ve overcome, and the hope for a brighter present and future. The museum has exhibits that discuss the history of the Holocaust through artifacts and accounts of the time, as well as artwork and sculptures by Holocaust survivors.
You can visit this museum for free on Thursdays between 4 and 8 p.m. A ticket is required, which you can get by choosing the Thursday 4 p.m. slot on the museum website.
Edmond J. Safra Plaza
36 Battery Place
Financial District Online:mjhnyc.org
Museum of Modern Art
The MoMA is an iconic institute, displaying modern artworks, sculptures, and media / performance pieces created from the 1880s and beyond. The art here will make you feel and think — and, although most exhibits aren’t interactive, the many bright and striking colors and interesting shapes make a great entry point for kids to talk about and explore art.
Thanks to a sponsorship by UNIQLO, the MoMA grants NYC residents free admission on the first Friday of every month, from 4 to 8 p.m.
11 West 53 St.
Midtown
Admission to the MoMA PS1 is always free to New Yorkers, thanks to The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation.
9/11 Memorial Museum
This museum is a tribute to the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 (as well as the February 26, 1993) attacks on the World Trade Center. Visit to learn about the horrific event through media, personal narratives, and a collection of artifacts telling the many stories of that day.
Free admission is offered on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This museum encourages exploration and learning through hands-on exhibits. These often mix fun movement and bright colors with conversations about serious topics like women’s voting rights. Kids can also go on quests featuring their favorite characters like Dora, use their imagination by pretending to be superheroes, discover new cultures through interactive experiences, and much more. Exhibits change often, so stop by at various times of year to see what’s new.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is free to enter on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Queens County Farm Museum
Get away from the city for a farm visit! Meet and greet farm animals (and even get to pet some at the petting zoo), engage with the sensory wonders of the children’s garden, embark on a cute scavenger hunt for the smallest tots, and more. For a small fee, visitors can go on a hayride, and parents can browse the Farm Store for farm-fresh produce, eggs, teas, wool, and other goods created and harvested right on the farm.
The Farm Museum is free to enter every day, except on special ticketed days.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Bellrose Manor Online:queensfarm.org
Socrates Sculpture Park
Founded in 1986, this park is a place where visitors can have a picnic among incredible sculptures. The artwork on display is always changing, so this is a place you’ll find yourself coming back to. Currently on viewing are sculptures like “Steel Bodies” by Maren Hassinger and “Broadway Billboard” by the park’s teen group, Socrateens.
The Socrates Sculpture Park is a public park and admission is free.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Snug Harbor is a must-see if you’ve never been. It’s a beautiful, sprawling grounds have a collection of gardens and plants, while special locations like the Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art have their own atmosphere (as well as hours and admission prices).
The Scholar’s Garden is free for Staten Island residents, and the main outdoor grounds and gardens are always free to the public from dawn to dusk.
A Florida teen giving a commencement speech found a beautiful way to communicate his LGBTQ advocacy to students after being told that if he mentioned the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, his microphone would be shut off.
Zander Moricz, the senior class president—and first openly gay president—of Pine View School for the Gifted, decided to use his curly hair to send a message about being yourself and staying true to who you are, no matter who tries to tell you otherwise.
“I used to hate my curls,” he said in his speech. “I spent mornings and nights embarrassed of them, trying to desperately straighten this part of who I am. But the daily damage of trying to fix myself became too much to endure.”
I am the youngest public plaintiff in the “Don’t Say Gay” lawsuit. I am my Florida high school’s first openly-gay Class President. I am being silenced, and I need your help. 🧵
He continued: “There are going to be so many kids with curly hair who need a community like Pine View, and they will not have one,” Moricz continued. “Instead, they’ll try to fix themselves so that they can exist in Florida’s humid climate.”
In his speech, he didn’t say “gay” one time.
“I knew that the threat to cut the mic was very real, so I wasn’t gonna let that happen. I just had to be clever about it,” Moricz told Good Morning America this week of his decision to carry on with his speech, but with a twist. His original plan was to use his spotlight to criticize the state’s Parental Rights in Education, or “Don’t Say Gay” law.
“It effectively takes away the only guaranteed safe space from the majority of the entire LGBTQ population here,” he added.
Principal Stephen Covert told Moricz that if he chose to speak about the bill directly, that his microphone would be cut. The controversial bill forbids discussions about sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity in elementary schools.
Moricz has also been vocal about being silenced on Twitter, writing in part that he is the “first openly gay Class President in my school’s history–this censorship seems to show that they want me to be the last. This threat is not the first that I have received from administration about my queer rights.”
Florida’s HB 1557, called the “Parental Rights in Education” bill by lawmakers in favor of it but dubbed by opposition as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, was passed and just signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. It prohibits public school teachers in Florida from holding classroom instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity, and reads, “A school district may not encourage classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels.”
Opponents of the legislation insist this policy will hurt LGBTQ children, and cite studies by The Trevor Project that show that LGBTQ youth already face higher health and suicide risks than their cisgender or straight peers. Given spaces that affirm their gender identity, the kids show lower rates of suicide attempts. The Trevor Project condemned the signing of the bill saying the bill erases “LGBTQ identity, history, and culture — as well as LGBTQ students themselves.”
BREAKING: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill into law.
The law requires parents to be the first to be notified of any health or support services offered to their kids in school and allows them the chance to deny those services on behalf of their children. The Trevor Project says these provisions “appear to undermine LGBTQ support in schools and include vague parental notification requirements, which could effectively require teachers to ‘out’ LGBTQ students to their legal guardians without their consent, regardless of whether they are supportive.” And given the higher risk that LGBTQ students experience at home, this can be particularly dangerous.
Leading up to the bill’s signing, critics, which include The Walt Disney Company, lambasted Florida lawmakers for the legislation. On Monday, a Disney spokesperson said in a statement that the company hopes the law is repealed or struck down in court. Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project, said in a statement that, “While I am saddened to see this harmful bill signed into law, I am inspired by the outpouring of support for LGBTQ students we have seen from parents, teachers, celebrities, and their peers. Social support is vital for suicide prevention, and I want to remind LGBTQ youth in Florida and across the country that you are not alone.”
Florida’s House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would prohibit “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity” in the state’s primary schools. The legislation is titled the “Parental Rights in Education” bill but is dubbed by critics the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and must pass the state’s Senate and then be signed into law by Rep. Gov. Ron DeSantis to become law.
BREAKING: Florida House passes controversial "Don’t Say Gay" bill that would prohibit "classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity" in primary schools.
The bill, which Rep. Joe Harding (Republican) introduced to the House, says discussions about “sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”
Harding said the measure is about “empowering parents” and improving the quality of life for the state’s children. “Creating boundaries at an early age of what is appropriate in our schools, when we are funding our schools, is not hate,” Harding said. “It’s actually providing boundaries, and it’s fair to our teachers and our school districts to know what we expect.” The bill would not prohibit students from talking about their LGBTQ families or bar classroom discussions about LGBTQ history, including events like the 2016 attack on the Pulse nightclub, a gay club in Orlando.
Horrified by what is happening in Florida. Children deserve to be who they want to be. To be their true selves. If there was ever a time to register to vote, it is now. https://t.co/xIxibcBigs
The bill has grabbed the attention of international newspapers, Hollywood actors and the White House. Democrats argued that the legislation’s text makes it unclear what age groups the bill could apply to, and the broad language of the legislation could open districts to lawsuits from parents who believe any conversation about LGBTQ people or issues to be inappropriate.
Amit Paley, the CEO and Executive Director of the Trevor Project—an LGBTQ youth suicide prevention and intervention group—said in a statement, “When lawmakers treat LGBTQ topics as taboo and brand our community as unfit for the classroom, it only adds to the existing stigma and discrimination, which puts LGBTQ young people at greater risk for bullying, depression and suicide.”A national survey by the Trevor Project… found that 42 percent of LGBTQ youths seriously considered attempting suicide last year. More than half of transgender and nonbinary youths who were surveyed seriously considered suicide, it also found.
On the House floor Thursday, Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat who is gay, told lawmakers in an impassioned speech “I want to make sure that for those LGBTQ youth in Florida and around the country and in the world who are watching, I want to make sure that they know this: You are loved. You are supported. And we will wake up every single day to fight for you, because you are worth fighting for,” Smith said.
In addition to the Parental Rights in Education bill, aka “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, 15 other bills are under consideration in eight states that would limit speech about LGBTQ identities in classrooms, according to PEN American, a nonprofit group that advocates for free speech. Three states passed similar bills last year that allow parents to opt students out of any lesson or coursework that mentions sexual orientation or gender identity.
Huh. Just curious, but when in history has ever NOT talking about something—or someone—led to anything good?
Though challenging at times, parenting is truly our greatest activism. With the right framework and solid support, we can raise kids who are aware of social struggles, optimistic about the future of our society, and equipped to manifest a better vision of our world. As described inRace, Class, and Parenting: 7 Strategies for Raising Sensitive, Confident, and Loving Kids, incorporating a stronger social justice perspective into parenting is essential to raising confident, empathetic children who are prepared to lead our diverse, global society. Luckily, we’ve got 10 straightforward strategies for raising kids that will help parents do exactly that.
While most people are quick to state their values, raising children who feel good about who they are, love all different kinds of people, and respect different worldviews is not mainstream. Our society has long been based on the premise of inequity, and we have to actively engage in social justice parenting to protect our children from defaulting to biased opinions. Make a personal commitment to doing things differently. Develop a vision of the world that you believe in, and determine your unique purpose to bring that about as an individual, and then collectively as a family. Communicate with your children about what you believe the world should be like and why. Set goals and demonstrate your beliefs through regular and consistent acts of kindness, service, or advocacy as a family.
Strategy 2: Be Vulnerable
In dedicating yourself to a lifestyle of growth and love, you have to make yourself vulnerable. All of us have preconceived notions. We are socialized to draw quick conclusions about other people. Parenting from a social justice perspective means we have to be willing to acknowledge areas where we have biases and limitations. We need to be vulnerable enough to admit that our exposure is often very limited, and we are not truly in a position to make judgments about the lives and experiences of others. What we can and should do is suppress our inclination to judge, approach new people and experiences with open-mindedness, and focus on our common humanity. Be transparent about your journey to becoming more informed and compassionate so that your children can learn from your example of humility and vulnerability.
Strategy 3: Find Support
In pursuing any kind of goal, we need support, and this is especially the case with parenting goals. We need support from people that know and love us. We need to be able to comfortably share our vision for our family and our society with people we trust. We need to be able to ask questions and get feedback in safe spaces. We need people who are going to keep us accountable and lovingly call us out when we make mistakes. Develop your tribe, and lean on them to help you figure things out.
Strategy 4: Make New Friends
To raise truly open-minded kids, we also need mentorship and support from people who are different from us. According to a 2014 study published in the Washington Post, Americans struggle to develop friendships with people of different ethnicities. The average white American has only one black friend out of every 100 friends she has. Of 100 friends, 91 are white and only nine are of other races. The average black American does not have a single Asian friend for every 100 friends. Of 100 friends, 83 are also black, eight are white, and two are Latino. We just aren’t doing as well as we think with diversity. We need to place a higher value on diversity, and we need to develop friendships with people of different races, religious beliefs, ages, socio-economic levels, and abilities. Consciously diversify your social network. As you initiate this process, realize that friendship is about reciprocity. Be prepared to share and teach as much as you hope to receive and learn.
Strategy 5: Eliminate What Does Not Help You Evolve
We all need to be conscious of the content that we consume because there is so much negative media that can be distracting and discouraging to us as parents. Besides media content, there are several types of people in our lives who can stifle our social justice parenting. The most harmful person to your process may be the person who cannot acknowledge systematic imbalances in our society or who chooses to excuse injustice. These are often people who do not go out of their way to harm anyone, but their worldview and satisfaction with the status quo are unjust. You may have to limit or eliminate these influences to protect your vision for your community. It is your right and responsibility to protect your children’s sense of self and their instinct to love.
Strategy 6: Teach Your Children to Be Curious, Not Judgmental
It is quite an accomplishment to raise children who are curious rather than judgmental. We can do this by giving our kids more diverse and immersive experiences. Take your kids to eat new foods! Travel to foreign countries (and actually leave the resort)! Take them to concerts to experience different kinds of music and dance! Encourage them to learn new languages! You can also model positive curiosity for them by the way you comment about different people:
"That's a pretty scarf she is wearing...I wonder if it has a special meaning."
"I wonder what language they are speaking...it sounds cool."
"I have never seen that food before...I wonder how it tastes."
"Her hair looks really pretty. I wonder how long it took her to style it that way."
Teach your kids that encountering someone different is a blessing because it is an opportunity to learn. Impart the value of humility, and develop their thirst for new experiences.
Strategy 7: Be More Specific and Intentional with Your Language
To help our children avoid stereotyping, we need to be more specific when we talk about social groups and avoid generalizations. We also need to correct our kids when they default to generalizing—even when their generalizations don’t seem “negative.” Not every young black man was raised without a father. Not every Muslim is a terrorist. Not every Asian is a first-generation violin prodigy. Not every Spanish-speaking person is from Mexico. Not every white person experiences economic privilege. Not every Jewish person is leveraging power in business. Having a physical or learning disability is not an indication of intelligence. If we want to teach our children to judge and treat people by the content of their character, then we have to eliminate the myth of racial and social homogeneity. By being specific with our words, modeling critical thinking, and creating the expectations that our kids do the same, we'll be teaching our kids to be more sophisticated in the way they think about race, class, ability, and culture.
Strategy 8: Be Thoughtful When Talking About Specific Instances of Injustice
Well-intentioned parents can unintentionally perpetuate bigotry in the minds of their children by over-sharing stories of social injustice or by failing to provide sufficient context for these stories. While young children can and should begin to learn about fairness and justice, you need to be considerate of the age and development of your child when you discuss acts of injustice. If your child cannot process this abuse or violence, there is a risk of traumatizing young children with stories of police brutality, concentration camps, and slavery. Use common sense and discretion when sharing this information. Moreover, make sure you have plenty of context before you introduce narratives of social injustice. For example, your children should have access to many different kinds of books, toys, and movies about the plethora of African American experiences before you begin to talk about slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. It is dehumanizing to only share stories of hardship and disempowerment for a social group, and you will likely impose a social hierarchy in your child’s mind that is the opposite of what you intend.
Strategy 9: Acknowledge Privilege and Frame Disadvantages Responsibly
We usually consider life through the lens of our own disadvantages. If we are healthy, we may still distort our experiences through the prism of being a minority. If we are wealthy, we may still distort our experiences through the prism of our sexual orientation. These are choices that we do not always make consciously, but we need to be more aware that our privilege is relative, not absolute. Every individual has privileges and disadvantages to negotiate. We need to learn—and then teach our children—to acknowledge our privileges and frame our social disadvantages responsibly. Teach your children to understand who they are in society, but train them to be deliberate in processing their disadvantages. This will help them to have a grateful heart and compassion for others. Teach your children to see the options, capacity, and responsibility in different forms of privilege, and empower them to leverage their privilege on behalf of others.
Strategy 10: Give Yourself Grace
The final strategy is to give yourself grace. We are human. We make mistakes. We get distracted. We get discouraged. As you make mistakes, show resilience and the ability to renew your commitment because that is the most powerful demonstration of all. Your children will learn to be patient with themselves, to stay committed to growth, and to be dedicated to a lifestyle of love.
The month of February directs our attention to love. Valentine’s Day helps us focus on our love for family, friends and romantic partners. But it should also remind us to love one another regardless of race, religion, gender orientation, sexual orientation and our differences in general. February is also Black History month. So this weekend fill your family time with activities that help you ignite and express your love while also learning more about a very important part of our American history. Read on for family activities and events in Portland that will help you do all of the above!
photo: via iStock
Community Art Day
CREATE Community is bringing people together to connect and create at Community Art Day! Community Art Day is a free public event. Collaborative, solo and kid project spaces! Learn a new skill and create something for yourself and / or your sweetie in Teela Golden’s Heartfelt(ing) workshop! Event Details.
Black Love Day Comedy Show & Fundraiser
Maybe your children are a bit older, and maybe you have some money to spend. If that sounds right, then this is the Black History Month event for you. Built around Black Love Day, a prequel to Valentine’s Day that expresses and discusses love within Black culture, this comedy show and fundraiser is a catered evening full of food, drinks, and hilarity. Come ready to dine, drink and donate, laugh, love and laugh some more all night long! Event Details.
Winter Makers Mercado
Portland Mercado is a community of more than 16 permanent businesses in Portland’s public market and Comcast Plaza. They are bringing together diverse cultures through food, art and entertainment. They are open every day. Coffee early, beer and wine later. Event Details.
Black History Online Learning Course
Perhaps you and your family have always wanted to know a little bit more than free readings, talks or a chapter of a book at school could deliver. Look no further than Simon Education, an online schooling program that is offering a month long event geared towards Black History! Spanning the nearly 250,000 years of Black history, your child will follow the two child superheros as they relive the events and evolution that is Black history throughout time. Event Details.
Chinese Garden Lunar New Year
While some celebrations of the Lunar New Year span only 7 days, the Lan Su Chinese Garden celebrates the Chinese New Year for two whole weeks! That’s more than enough time to wrangle the kids into their winter gear and step out for the Pacific Northwest’s largest Lunar New Year celebration! Think lanterns and light displays, a dancing dragon and percussion sounds galore! This year’s festival will be featuring the Portland Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance, putting on the dancing dragon march for the first time in years! Be sure to mitten up those hands and slip on warm socks before heading over to enjoy a night of illumination and celebration! Event Details.
The Art of Netsuke Carvings
Portland Japanese Garden will be hosting it’s first art exhibition of the year, “Fashion and Fantasy: The Art of Netsuke Carvings” in the Pavilion Gallery. Once immensely popular across Japan, netsuke (pronounced nets-keh), small accessories fashioned from wood, ivory, or porcelain, blurred the lines between function and art in their heyday. “Fashion and Fantasy” will showcase the fascinating world of these miniature Japanese carvings traditionally used to secure small pouches to men’s pocketless kimonos. Drawing on a recent gift from the The Netsuke Collection of James R. Coonan, Denise C. Bates and Lurline C. Menzies, this exhibition explores the breathtaking stories, artistic expression and imagination that netsuke capture. Event Details.
Anastasia
Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical ANASTASIA is on a journey to Portland at last! From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. Event Details.
Portland Winter Light Festival at Oaks
Oaks Park will once again be part of the Portland Winter Light Festival! Their spectacular midway lights will be on from 6-10 p.m. daily. Enjoy a free walk through the park and take in the artistry of their ride lights! Event Details.
It’s almost time: back to school! Finding the right school for your child can be challenging, especially for the elementary school set at this crucial time in their development. Kids at these ages don’t exactly have the mental matureness to know what their values and needs are, so it’s even more important they have the support of the right education system to guide them along their learning journey.
What’s on our list for an excellent school? A commitment to academic excellence rooted in tradition, combined with life skill learning—a place that gives kids the support they need to take risks, challenge themselves and succeed. Basically, we want it all and Chicago City Day School fits the bill, as an independent private school with a record of success, a palpable “culture of kindness” and the adaptable spirit needed to succeed in our world today. Read on for five reasons why this school may be just what you’ve been looking for.
1. A Balance of Academics & Social-Emotional Learning
This is their recipe for success: inspiring a love of learning, confidence, and comfortability in the social and academic environment of school for years to come. City Day combines this winning formula with its unique urban campus, making students feel safe and inspired. They’ve also developed curriculum-based programming to support their students and prepare them for the world beyond school, with hands-on real-life experiences. City Day stands apart because of the autonomy, resources and faculty they devote to their elementary school population—it’s a rare gem.
Founded in 1981, City Day promises and delivers an academic program that draws on the best of traditional education thought and practice while also embracing innovation. Their students take on a multitude of creative and intellectual challenges, including composing poems, building rockets, measuring the quality of the Chicago River, and creating sculptures—all while honing reading, writing and math skills that will help them navigate a complex world.
City Day stands out from the crowd yet again by teaching young kids how to think, not what to think. They accomplish this in their classrooms, where students work collaboratively in a study of the core subjects of math, science, reading and social studies. They also take field trips throughout the city, visiting museums, attending plays and even helping maintain local forest preserves. City Day also offers travel opportunities including Space Camp, France and Spain, Washington D.C. and a research expedition in the Bahamas. By the time City Day students graduate eighth grade, they have developed a worldview that allows them to respond to complex problems in high school and beyond—we can’t think of a better gift you could give your child.
4. Junior K-Grade 8 School Offers a Unique Opportunity
City Day's school model gives students a chance to establish roots in their community as young as four years old. It allows students in grade six and up to be true leaders on campus and act as mentors to the younger grades. It also allows all of their students access to the resources and campus of a much larger school. And it prepares students for brand new experiences in high school—a transition that builds confidence strengthens character and equips kids with skills they need to succeed.
City Day is an independent school that's developed an adaptive curriculum that grows in complexity with the students and responds to their individual needs. City Day’s expert teachers differentiate their instruction, and this, combined small class size ensures that each student is challenged and supported.
Unlike public schools, they have the ability to quickly enact new practices and programs to stay current and meet new challenges. City Day was able to remain open for the entire school year during 2020-2021. City Day successfully reconfigured its spaces and programming so that students and teachers could safely work together in person rather than through a screen.
“Chicago City Day School is a welcoming, inclusive learning community. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or national/ethnic origin.”
Children often ask their parents questions that can make them feel uncomfortable and unprepared to answer. And they often come up at times when you least expect it to.
They may hear certain words or terms such as LGBTQ at school or on TV, but not know what it actually means. Social media has been a catalyst for social change, acceptance and inclusivity among preteen and teenage youth. Many children already see that families in our world can look different from their own—whether it’s on television or when they are with you in the community.
As a parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and author of Winnie & Her Worries, my advice? The best thing you can do is to explain to your kids that families can have different cultural traditions, religions, and values.
As parents, you want to be there to introduce and answer questions since children turn to us for many answers. Remember even at an early age you can teach the value of empathy and respect for others, as well as open the door for any future conversations regarding their own identity. Here are my tips on how to speak with your children about LGBTQ:
1. Start discussions early and be matter of fact. Use the words sometimes and if your child asks why another child wants to wear a dress but he looks like a boy, that is your opening to have the discussion on choice, inclusion and belonging. Remember that society created the theme stereotypes that boys play with cars and girls play with dolls.
2. Don’t be afraid to use words that describe sexual orientation as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, especially if the person you’re talking about uses this to describe themselves.
3. Actively listen to your kids. This will help you make sure you understand what your child is asking and what they already understand about the topic.
4. Be honest with your children. It’s ok to not have an answer. Encourage your child to continue to ask questions. Do keep your responses developmentally appropriate.
5. This is not a one-and-done conversation. Use media and/or life experiences as opportunities to continue and discuss the topic. Especially after they develop further understanding after processing what they learned themselves.
6. Remember to reinforce that although some families may look different, they’re really not that different. They love each other just like we love just like your own family does.
7. Talk about what a sense of belonging means. How to be inclusive and demonstrate kindness. Having these conversations with our children helps create a safer, more inclusive community for everyone.
Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) is a renowned parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist, and board-certified behavior analyst. Patel has had the privilege of working with families and children, supporting all aspects of education and positive wellness; recently nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year
Being socially aware as an adult is tough enough. But for kids? Well, as a parent, I can say that it’s even harder for them.
That doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily let you know if they’re struggling with all that’s going on right now. My children exhibit very different (sometimes deceptively nonchalant) responses to everything happening in the world. When one’s concerned, the other isn’t—and vice versa. Yet, I know they’re affected even if they don’t say so.
Statistics support my “momtuition.” According to research from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, almost half of parents said their teen’s mental health had been negatively impacted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And last year brought more stress than a life-changing pandemic—we also faced social and political unrest.
So how can you balance the need to help your kids consider the perspectives of others and remain socially aware while also protecting them from some of the stressors of modern life? As the saying goes, it ain’t easy. However, I’ve found that boosting my girls’ social awareness, compassion, and empathy boils down to embracing a few practices:
1. Talk about TikTok (& Other Social Media Platforms)
Is TikTok your favorite social platform? No? Guess what: It’s time to get TikTok-savvy anyway. (No dancing required, thank goodness.)
Your kids are learning about current events and building their values not only from what they hear at home but also from the messaging they soak up through social media. The information pushed to them by influencers on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and (to a lesser extent) Facebook informs their beliefs.
Help your kids realize that just because four or five million people are “liking” things doesn’t mean your children have to share those same values. They should acknowledge and think about those values, but they can still come to their own conclusions. Critical thinking is a skill that’s hard to hone when you’re bombarded by social media, but kids can practice it with your help.
2. Stress That Language Matters
Speaking of social media, what your kids post can haunt or help them. Although I don’t want to censor my kids’ musical leanings or opinions, I do remind them that the words in the songs they choose (and the videos they film) can have repercussions later.
Again, I’m not suggesting that you take a heavy-handed approach. Be understanding. We were all young once, and being young means seeing things with fresh eyes. At the same time, it can also mean not realizing how much power one viral Instagram Reel can have.
Oh, and you might want to recommend that they get back to offline education in order to boost their language. My younger daughter’s teacher makes a point of selecting books written by people of color for the class to read. I love the idea of challenging kids by improving their self-awareness and the awareness of others by immersing themselves in stories told by authors from diverse backgrounds.
3. Be Transparent about Current Issues
I don’t love talking about some of the things that are happening in our world right now, particularly at home. Shouldn’t home be a place of peace and a respite from the turmoil outside? However, it’s not fair to ignore what’s going on, especially when your kids already know bits and pieces from the aforementioned social sites.
When I was a kid, I read the paper or watched the news with my family. We often learned what was happening at the same time. Now, children often know of major events before you do. So it’s critical that you stay on top of what they’ve heard and try to piece it all together as a family.
As you know (and have probably experienced firsthand), your family members won’t always agree on solutions to the world’s problems. However, by listening to your kids and asking them about their own beliefs, you’ll help them become more thoughtful in their intentions.
4. Showcase Your Own Social Awareness
Kids are tremendously perceptive. If you aren’t socially aware, they’ll notice. Therefore, if you want to raise socially aware young people, you need to be a role model.
In our house, I make a point of talking about people in need and how we have an obligation to help one another. This isn’t just because I care about giving back—which I do. It’s also because I’m the owner of a business. As the kids of a CEO, my daughters shouldn’t feel like they’re “better” than someone else. We’re very blessed and fortunate. Nonetheless, my job title doesn’t make our family entitled. It just means that we have the opportunity (and obligation) to serve the public in substantial ways.
Thought your kids weren’t ready for conversations about race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, and even the pandemic? They’re having them with each other and online. The sooner you get into the mix, the better. That way, you and your kids can find out together that despite all the differences in the world, we’re all surprisingly—and gloriously—alike.
Alison Gutterman is the president and CEO of Jelmar, the family-owned cleaning products manufacturer of CLR and Tarn-X products. She began her career at Jelmar in 1993 without a title or a desk, and she was named president in 2007. She balances work with parenthood as a single mother of two children.
