COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the Bates family in Columbus, the legislation targeting LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio is personal.
Sam Bates, who turns 14 years old on Sunday, identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
“I have never really fit in with male or female so, I've really just been me,” Sam said.
This week, the ACLU sued the state over legislation that bans gender-affirming care for minors.
As the conversation continues over House Bill 68 and the Ohio legislature considers other legislation targeting LGBTQ+ youth like the Bathroom Bill, the Bates family is closely watching.
“A good majority of people I know are queer or trans or fall under that umbrella and it is very disturbing to me to see what could happen to me or people I know,” Sam said.
Sam’s parents, Katie and Nick, have ended up having more discussions with them about politics than most parents may have with their teenagers.
“There are so many kids just trying to be kids and my prayer is the government has family’s backs and doesn’t create roadblocks for families to excel and thrive each and every day. We have so many talented kids in this state that just need a little bit of love and compassion,” said Sam’s dad, Nick.
The family has taken up fighting against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in support of kids like Sam.
“It is not just a disagreement about policy, it is a disagreement of who gets to be an Ohioan,” Nick said.