At a Virginia Beach school board meeting on October 10, Cody Conner, a father of three, delivered an impassioned speech against the state’s discriminatory policies toward LGBTQ+ students, which has since gone viral on social media.
Confronting Governor Youngkin’s Policies
Conner directly challenged Virginia Governor Youngkin’s “model policies” for public schools, which include restrictive bathroom and sports team use based on assigned sex at birth, and requirements for parental permission for students to use preferred names or gender pronouns. Conner emphasized, “You are never going to find a right way to do the wrong thing and Governor Youngkin’s policies are wrong.”
Personal Motivation for Advocacy
Moved by his concern for his 13-year-old transgender daughter, Conner began speaking at school board meetings to combat the harmful policies that could gravely impact her and other LGBTQ+ students, especially those from conservative homes.
Conner’s Viral Impact
The video of Conner’s speech has amassed nearly 500,000 views on TikTok, resonating with viewers for his forthright condemnation of policies backed by hate groups like the Proud Boys and Moms for Liberty. He declared, “Never in history have the good guys been the segregationist group pushing to legislate identity.”
Ongoing Commitment to Speaking Out
Despite the implementation of Youngkin’s policies, Conner remains steadfast in his efforts to oppose them. In his speech, he urged the school board to “be the good guys while you still can.”
Beyond Board Meetings: Active Allyship
Conner’s activism extends beyond school board meetings. As an organizer with the trans rights nonprofit Calos Coalition, he is actively involved in creating safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, including organizing a trans-Thanksgiving dinner.
Conclusion
Cody Conner’s vocal stand against anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Virginia Beach schools highlights the power of parental advocacy and allyship. His actions serve as an inspiring example of what it means to support and defend LGBTQ+ rights in the face of adversity.