When the Florida House and Senate recently passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill — dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill — a group of Mercer Island High School students held a peaceful organized walkout on March 11.

The members of the school’s Queer Straight Alliance protested against the bill, which restricts educators from how they’re able to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

On March 31, Islander Middle School (IMS) sixth-grader Tristan Schwiethale, 12, and a few classmates led a planned walkout to protest the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and anti-transgender legislation being proposed and passed in some states. The event was 300 to 400 people strong and many of the students were clutching pride signs and flags.

“I knew about the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill before it was passed. As soon as I looked at the bill, I knew it shouldn’t be passed. I thought about how young queer kids wouldn’t be able to talk about who they are. I personally am gay and I have always been able to openly talk about my sexuality and gender identity in schools. The fact the some kids will not be able to is not OK,” said Schwiethale, who helped organize the protest with members of the school’s QUILTBAG, a LGBTQIAN+ ally group.

They planned the event using a Google document, adding their friends and classmates to spread the word and answer questions as the walkout date neared. The IMS principals were apprised of the event and worked with the organizers in making it a safe gathering, according to Schwiethale and the Mercer Island School District.

When the clock struck 12:50 p.m. on March 31, Schwiethale exited class and witnessed a flood of students set for the walkout. They headed toward the field en masse, gathering more people along the way, and reached the spot where some people delivered speeches denouncing the bills.

Schwiethale’s voice was spent after talking and yelling so much during the walkout, which had way more attendees than expected.

“It felt very good knowing how many people walked out in support of the LGBTQIAN+ community in our school. While some of the kids were just there to skip class, most people were there to show support. I will definitely speak out again if more anti-LGBTQIAN+ legislation is passed or considered,” Schwiethale said.

IMS co-principals MaryJo Budzius and Aaron Miller said the school supports its students taking an active role in local, national and global issues.

“This student-organized rally is an example of our students finding an issue that is passionate to them and trying to make a difference,” they said in a joint statement. “Throughout the organization of the event, the primary role of the school was to work with the organizers to support a safe space for students to express their thoughts and feelings. We will continue to be supportive of our students as they tackle these challenging issues.”