For a moment, his younger self could've never imagined that he would arrive at the White House in a sharp cream suit and turtleneck.
The 18-year-old activist from Miami, who organized a walk out at his high school to protest Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, was chosen to speak at the Biden Administration's Pride Month celebration. At the event, the president signed an executive order directing the federal government to reduce exposure to conversion therapy and better support both LGBTQ youth in the foster care system.
Gomez beamed at the podium after an introduction by the first lady. He said a story. At 5 years old, Gomez knew he was gay, but he didn't know how to say it. He was bullied for being too gay, feminine or outgoing. An openly gay teacher in the 5th grade changed what Gomez believed was possible for himself.
Gomez said that seeing his happiness gave him hope in his life.
Gomez fought the Parental Rights in Education bill because of the example of that teacher. The bill will go into effect on July 1 and Gomez fears it will be used to silence those who support the LGBTQ youth. The bill doesn't allow discussion of issues related to the gay community until third grade. The topics for older students must be appropriate. Parents can file a lawsuit against the district if they don't like the instruction. Critics, including Gomez, argue that the bill could lead to the removal of gender identity and sexual orientation from the classroom.
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Gomez was against the bill. He led a walk out at iPrep Academy with 100 students.
Gomez is one of many young queer activists who fought the bill immediately after the walk out. They were often targets for hate speech on social media because they rallied their peers. When it might endanger their mental health, they had to decide how vocal to be. Despite the law's passage, they continue to organize against it.
Gomez wants to represent the kids at his school who don't have a voice or the luxury of coming out and being proud of themselves. I knew I had to fight for myself, but I also had to fight for the kids.
When Will Larkins testified at the school board to protest the law, the video of his speech was quickly shared on social media. As a child, Larkins couldn't remember how he was different, but he knew he was different.
"It scares me because what I went through is now being forced onto an entire generation of queer kids."
The environment at his high school has become less hostile towards queer students since he co-organized the "Say Gay Anyway" walk out.
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Speaking up has meant getting online hate mail. He's still a minor so he wasn't confronted by adults at the hearings. He feels that the burden of organizing and protesting shouldn't be limited to young people trying to enjoy what's left of their adolescence and plan for their future, or to young people who can't advocate for themselves because of the risks of coming out publicly.
He wanted to reach people who were neutral in the debate or allies of students like him. The groups can outnumber the bill's advocates if they take a public stand together.
Don't organize a protest if you don't care about the issue. Many people who could be organizers can't fight for their right to be queer because their family doesn't support them.
Maxx Fenning, a college student at the University of Florida, was prepared to become a target of the bill's supporters. He didn't think they'd call him a "groomer" on social media. The legislation was described as an "anti-grooming bill" by the governor's spokeswoman.
He wants to give LGBTQ youth information about sexuality and gender. There are educational resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people about sexual health and history. He realized that even though he was an openly gay student leader, he hadn't learned about the gay rights leader Harvey Milk or the HIV-prevention medication.
"You would think I would know this information, even in that position, and I didn't know that, and that didn't sit well with me."
The bill may affect the clubs. The legislation focuses on classroom discussion about LGBTQ issues, but its vagueness may deter students and staff advisors from having candid conversations. The lawsuits argue that the bill violates free speech and other rights. Activists will be watching how the lawsuits play out if they fail.
Even though their work feels urgent, young activists should prioritize their physical and emotional well-being. It's a good idea to take stock of the risks and what kind of support you'll get from friends and family.
There are youth in Boston who are affected by what's happening in Florida. They're worried about going to college in a state that's hostile to queer and trans youth, as well as internalizing the significance of legislation that targets queer and trans youth.
"These young folks, as a society, are seeing messages that they aren't loved as much as they should be," he says. There is a lack of acceptance for queer youth of color who face discrimination due to their race and ethnic identity.
Gomez felt that his gay identity had not always been accepted by his family or community. The audience cheered loudly when he said that he was gay.
Gomez says that this moment will stay with him forever, and that it made his public advocacy over the past few months more fulfilling than he could've imagined.
Gomez says it gives him more power. It was amazing to know that someone who didn't have a voice in his younger years now has a powerful voice advocating for people like me. I'm so thankful that I was given this platform.
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