Norman Pride goers concerned about Oklahoma legislation they feel targets LGBTQ+ community
NORMAN (KOKH) — This weekend Norman is celebrating gay pride, with hundreds of people gathering at Andrews Park, but one topic on the minds of many at the festival: legislation that Governor Stitt signed into law earlier this week.
People expressed their concerns about Gov. Stitt signing Senate Bill 613 into law, the legislation bans gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapies for children under the age of 18 in Oklahoma.
"I mean, I'm scared for my own life," said a member of the transgender LGBTQ+ community, Carson Edelman (they/them).
The LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma has fear looming over them, as lawmakers in the state continue to push legislation that some say targets them.
"I feel like a lot of society is really picking on the transgender community right now, because for the last few years, they have felt safe," said Founder & Director of Dads Hug Too, Aaron Edwards (he/him). "But to be perfectly honest with you, my biggest concern today with the legislation is that it's going through revolves around safety."
- ALSO SEE: GALLERY: Oklahoma home features nearly 17,000 square feet, three wet bars and conservatory
Legislation passed this week that bans gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies for minors in the state, and many fear what will come next.
"I know that right now minors aren't able to get their gender-affirming care, and I'm scared that that's going to come for the adults next, including me," said Edelman.
"When I was growing up, all of this was illegal. I was illegal. I was against the law, and now they're trying to make it so again, and they can't do that," said another member of the transgender LGBTQ+ community, Charlotte Griffeth (she/her). "People don't understand it's not a choice. We don't choose. We're born this way."
Many at Norman Pride believe this legislation will actually cause more harm than good.
"Holding people back I personally feel is going to actually increase self-harm and is going to cause people to have to live in a space that they don't feel right," Edwards said, " There's going to cause a lot of mental health crises."
But groups at Pride want LGBTQ+ youth to know that they are loved, and have support.
"We are here for you. you have more people in your favor than who are fighting against you, and we're here for you stay strong," said the founder of Free Mom Hugs, Sara Cunningham. "Stay encouraged because there are more people who love and support you than are against you."
Governor Stitt says he signed SB613 into law to protect kids in Oklahoma, he said in a statement.
We cannot turn a blind eye to what's happening across our nation, and as Governor I am proud to stand up for what's right and ban life-altering transition surgeries on children in the state of Oklahoma
For more local news delivered straight to your inbox sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.