Gen-Z and Gen Alpha LGBTQ are under attack. They’re not only bullied in schools, they’re being bullied by the government. Safe Schools South Florida’s Tom Lander is working to put a stop to it.

As the organization’s board chairperson, Lander works to fight the legislature, while also letting kids know they are not alone.

“Today, queer youth desperately need the support of LGBTQ adults. Many of our community do not know that youth need permission slips to attend any clubs, and students are being forced to out themselves to unsupportive parents.”

Lander organized the first community protest against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and has spent countless hours fighting to rally awareness. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ students his entire life. He was a high school history teacher in Miami-Dade for 39 years and was a board member of the United Teachers of Dade.

His passion comes from his own difficult childhood.

“I aspired to do for youth what others did for me. Specifically, regarding queer youth, I do not want them to feel alone and confused. If I had queer role models, I would not have struggled with therapy and coming to terms with myself.”

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