I Could No Longer Stand to the Side While Young People in Florida Suffered
When I was in high school, I participated in my first Wear Orange walkout, which my school’s student government association hosted in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. Several years later, as a junior in college, I began going to committee meetings and volunteering with Students Demand Action. These simple acts laid the groundwork for my advocacy today as a proud voice in the gun violence prevention movement.
I joined Students Demand Action because, for far too long, Florida has repeatedly ignored the demands of its young people.
I live in Tallahassee, where I’ve had a front-row seat as our state has emboldened far-right activists and bad actors in the gun industry. Community members and legislators alike have supported bills that undo the work that activists before me fought so hard to bring about. I could no longer stand to the side and do nothing while young people in my state continued to suffer.
“There is a very clear line to be drawn between increased violence against queer people and looser gun laws—especially in places like Florida where forms of discrimination are sanctioned by the state government.”
—Andres Cubillos, Students Demand Action volunteer
Two years later, other students and youth in this movement are one of my largest motivations to persist in this work. Many of them have been part of the gun violence prevention movement for far longer than I have. Their hard work and dedication inspire me to work harder and do more. I can always count on another Students Demand Action volunteer to lift me up and make me feel less alone in a state that loves to silence its young people. If we are ever to have safe spaces for our communities, then we must pass stronger gun violence prevention laws. We also must ensure that our shared spaces are safe for all—especially for young queer people like me.
My identity as part of the LGBTQ+ community has always been a difficult journey. I was closeted for a long time, and even today, I am to a certain degree. But what has helped me so much to embrace my identity is that being queer in Florida means that you are part of a beautiful community. I’m particularly reminded of the beauty of this community during Pride Month, but it is evident every other month of the year. Everywhere you go, others have experienced the same struggles, shed the same tears, have fought for the same issues, and have even been at the same lows that you have. Those collective emotions and shared experiences are what are most important to me and my identity.
This year in Florida has been particularly difficult for the LGBTQ+ community. Lawmakers have filed many terrible pieces of legislation, and there are so many people in our community who feel discouraged. The rise of violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community is evident. There is a very clear line to be drawn between increased violence against queer people and looser gun laws—especially in places like Florida where forms of discrimination are sanctioned by the state government.
However, out of this crisis has come a revitalized movement of young activists who are ready to get organized, get out, and make their voices heard. I am so proud of the moves that LGBTQ+ activists have made in recent years, and I can’t wait to see—and be part of—what happens this coming election cycle.
As a Students Demand Action volunteer, I’m working to empower this new contingent of young queer activists by training them in all things community organizing. By giving folks the tools they need to be successful in their advocacy, we can help educate more people and share the importance of community power.
“Knowing the difference between when to be a loud and proud ally—and when to pass the mic and be a supporter—is integral in ensuring that queer voices are elevated in all spaces where they need to be.”
—Andres Cubillos, Students Demand Action volunteer
I believe that the people who are best equipped to advocate for queer issues are queer people themselves. Our collective struggle is not always one that makes news headlines. The hardships that our communities endure are not just legislative or political. They are deeply ingrained in our social and personal lives. To truly understand our community and the ways we have been affected by hate and discrimination, you must learn about the individual people in the community. Ask questions, be open to new ideas, and support the people in your life that fall under our beautiful umbrella.
Allies are an important part of the work to make spaces open for all community members. However, there are also instances when allies take up space that should be held for queer voices. Knowing the difference between when to be a loud and proud ally—and when to pass the mic and be a supporter—is integral in ensuring that queer voices are elevated in all spaces where they need to be.
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