Winter Park teen goes viral with LGBTQ history presentation on Stonewall Riots following passage of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill | Orlando Area News | Orlando

Florida brought unwanted attention on itself when it passed a hateful bill that threatened to interrupt the lives of LGBTQ students and families. Some of that national attention came to Winter Park thanks to the work of student activist Will Larkins.

As Florida passed its controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Larkins presented on the Stonewall Riots, a foundational act of civil unrest in the history of the LGBT Pride movement. Larkins presentation, given in a red cocktail dress and pearls, quickly spread and Larkins ended up writing an opinion piece for the New York Times about the effect of the legislation.

LGBTQ American history is not taught in Floridas public schools, so I took it upon myself to explain the events of the Stonewall Uprising to my 4th period US history class. #SayGayAnyway pic.twitter.com/A73TKPlWXF

— Will Larkins (@ProudTwinkie) April 3, 2022

Larkins shared on Twitter that they were placed under investigation for their presentation, and while no formal discipline was dispensed, they are in a new history class.  We have reached out to Orange County Public Schools for comment and will update this article when we hear back.

this isn’t happening anymore i guess? lol whatever i’m in a new class now tho

— Will Larkins (@ProudTwinkie) April 8, 2022

–
Stay on top of Central Florida news and views with our weekly newsletters, and consider supporting this free publication. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you Central Florida news, and every little bit helps.