Zach Young, a Democrat, is set to make history by becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ school board member in Tennessee. Running unopposed in the state’s third district, Young previously served as a Goodlettsville City Commissioner and member of the Metro Council. Motivated by the increasing importance of school boards in the fight for LGBTQ equality, Young decided to run after attending a conference hosted by Victory Fund.
Tennessee currently has laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, including banning transgender athletes from school sports teams and requiring public school employees to out queer students to their guardians. Despite conservative efforts to pass further discriminatory legislation, Young believes that his presence on the board can help advocate for progress and inclusivity in the state.
As part of the board, Young hopes to make a positive impact and fight against discrimination, especially in the current political climate in Tennessee. While the state’s Republican Attorney General has taken steps to oppose protections for transgender students, Young’s election signals a step towards representation and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community at a local level. As Young prepares to take on his role as a school board member, he remains committed to promoting equality and inclusivity in the education system.
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