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Same-sex kiss on homecoming float creates controversy

By BRODY LEVESQUE OF THE LOS ANGELES BLADE, COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBT MEDIA ASSOCIATION
ABOVE: Screenshot via WKRN-TV ABC 2, Nashville TN

On an Independence High School homecoming parade float in Tennessee sponsored by the high school’s ‘IndyPride’ student-led LGBTQ group, two girls kissed briefly last Friday. That kiss ignited a firestorm that led to several verbal confrontations at the Williamson County Tennessee School District Board meeting this past Monday.

Leading the opposition to the LGBTQ student group at the school board meeting and decrying what happened was the local chapter of Moms for Liberty, (MFL), a national right-wing conservative group based out of Florida, that is opposed to teaching students about LGBTQ history or equality rights, especially recognition of Trans youth.

The MFL also opposes teaching ‘Critical Race Theory’ even though there is not a single school anywhere in the United States, they are also opposed to a litany of textbooks teaching history that the group sees as “age-inappropriate.”

The video, posted by Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County, said students on the float were “kissing and groping” in front of younger kids. The group was also angry that students were handing out Bisexual Week awareness materials from GLAAD.

“Let’s keep this stuff out of the classroom,” said Brett Craig, another speaker at the meeting who identified as a “Dad for Liberty.” “We don’t have to fight. Let’s just keep this stuff in the house where parents make the decision and get back to teaching and doing school.”

Speaking in support of the LGBTQ students were numerous parents who pointed out that in their view that moment could not be defined as a kiss.

“Being gay is not like COVID, you cannot catch it people,” said Matthew Hill.

Students from the ‘IndyPride’ group told the Board that school is the only place some LGBTQ students feel supported. “To have a community at school for our people is very important and I hope that we can keep this here because I have many friends who fear for their safety and this is the one place we are safe,” explained Mia Elias, who was on the float.

“It is not about LGBTIQ rights. It is not about GSA clubs. It is about what is appropriate in a school environment. It is about the sexualization of our children. It is mostly what is appropriate to present to elementary-aged children,” said Robin Steenman a Moms for Liberty member.

“Does calling for your people to come here and persecute LGBTQ kids for the crime of letting the world know they exist and showing love for one another not fly in the face of what you claim to stand for? that video is not a French kiss. It is a quick peck that I had to watch three times to catch and if it was a boy and a girl there is zero chance anyone would have cared,” countered parent Justin Kanew.

The Tennessean reported that around half of attendees wore rainbow apparel or shirts from local LGBTQ awareness groups. 14 of 29 speakers spoke on the incident in support of LGBTQ students, of Indy Pride and of the need for other gay-straight alliance groups.

School District Students from Indy Pride, Centennial High School’s GSA, and Ravenwood High School’s GSA also made comments.

“[LGBTQ] students need a safe place to go. Not many of them feel safe or support at home, so they come to this club feel welcome and accepted,” CHS GSA member Nick Copabianco said. “They come to school not only to learn but feel supported by the community and this club has done nothing but build said community.”

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