In response to Florida’s contentious “Don’t Say Gay” law, Camila Cabello is fighting to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ kids and their families. According to Variety, Cabello plans to hold a benefit concert in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 8, where she will discuss the launch of her new “Protect Our Kids” fund, which is designed to provide necessary funds to teachers, students, and families impacted by the new legislation.
“As someone who grew up and still lives in Florida, I am appalled that my home state is putting the health and lives of young Floridians at risk by passing this law and inviting discrimination into our schools,” Cabello said. “I am so grateful to all of our founding partners who are standing in solidarity with LGBTQ youth and families and raising money for the Protect All Kids Fund to help Lambda Legal and Equality Florida stop this hateful law.”
Many special performers will reportedly be included in the West Hollywood event, including “RuPaul’s Drag Race”‘s Valentina, a local choir, and singer-songwriter Shea Diamond. Cabello’s emergency fund was created with the help of Equality Florida and Lambda Legal, and they’re also setting up hotlines — include: 833-I-SAY-GAY, 833-SAY-TGNC, and 833-LGBTQLAW — that will provide additional resources and support at any time to anyone affected by the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation.
Back in March, Governor DeSantis signed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in an effort to keep discussions surrounding sexual orientation out of the classroom. This includes any kind of classroom instruction from kindergarten to third grade about gender and gender identity. As many critics have pointed out, the vague nature of the law makes it easy to erase, invalidate, and vilify the LGBTQ+ community as something “other” — something children need to be protected from.
“This law emboldens a small, angry cadre of anti-LGBTQ adults to intimidate school districts,” Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, told Variety. Cabello’s fund aims to let kids know that they are not alone and that there are people who accept and support them for who they are. Click here to learn more about the Protect Our Kids fund and find out how you can offer support.