MADISON–The Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus (TPANAC) introduced the “Equality Agenda” at a press conference today, a package of bills to promote equality and improve safety for LGBTQIA+ Wisconsinites. Included in this package is a bill authored by Rep. Robyn Vining and members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus and TPANAC to address the mental health of LGBTQIA+ students and train mental health professionals on the rights of LGBTQIA+ youth. Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following statement:
“Every Wisconsin child deserves access to the mental healthcare they need. According to the Department of Public Instruction’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 79% of LGBTQ+ students reported anxiety, and 63% reported depression. The increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation negatively impacts LGBTQIA+ youth, contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. The mere introduction of anti-LGBTQ+ bills causes harm to the mental health of Wisconsin’s youth, and we must respond with help for these young people.
“My bill, LRB-1684, provides grants to school boards to provide training in LGBTQIA+ rights to school counselors and school social workers. This training gives school mental health professionals the tools they need to identify and address the unique issues facing LGBTQIA+ students and will increase the quality of mental healthcare that these students receive in schools. I want to thank my partner in the State Senate, LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair and Senator Mark Spreitzer, for his leadership on this bill, and for including the bill in the ‘Equality Agenda’ bill package. I also want to thank Sen. Tim Carpenter, Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, Sen. Kelda Roys, Sen. Sen. Melissa Ratcliff, Rep. Christian Phelps, Rep. Angelina Cruz, Rep. Greta Neubauer, Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Rep. Lee Snodgrass, Rep. Ryan Spaude, Rep. Angela Stroud, Rep. Randy Udell, Rep. Margaret Arney, and Rep. Ryan Clancy for being initial cosponsors.”
“LGBTQIA+ students deserve to feel safe and supported in their schools. It is time that this legislature invests in the mental health and well-being of Wisconsin students. Mental healthcare is healthcare, and our bill will move Wisconsin forward, together.”
