On Friday, March 31, Pastel, the school’s transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming affinity group, hosted a walkout to stand up for queer and transgender youth autonomy.

The walkout responded to the recent slate of transphobic and anti-queer state legislation. Aster Lufkin ’23, founder and head of Pastel commented on the walkout, saying, “The current political climate is frankly terrifying for queer people, so the school showing its support was really empowering. It’s really important to show LGBTQ+ students that the community stands with them. On a larger scale, if you’re over 18, please vote! If we do not elect bigoted people into office, we won’t have bigoted laws.”

To show solidarity and stand against the countless anti-queer legislative bills being introduced, students can sign the Queer Youth Assemble list of demands (which is available on their website), contact state representatives, attend protests, or simply stay informed by following LGBTQ+ issues.