Singer Camila Cabello Is Helping Create a Safe Space for LGBTQ Kids and Their Families

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By Giselle Balido

May 17, 2022

The newly launched Protect Our Kids fund is designed to provide resources for students, teachers, and families impacted by the “Don’t Say Gay” law that Cabello calls “hateful.”

If half of Camila Cabello’s heart is in the Havana she sings about in her #1 hit song, the other half may very well be with the LGBTQ community.

In response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, which bans discussion of sexual orientation in the classroom, including age-appropriate instruction about gender and gender identity, the Cuban-born singer, who was raised and still lives in Miami, has launched the Protect Our Kids fund.

“As someone who grew up and still lives in Florida, I am appalled that my home state is putting the health and lives of young Floridians at risk by passing this law and inviting discrimination into our schools,” Cabello said, adding, after a May 8 concert in Los Angeles to support the fund: “What’s happening in my home state is unacceptable and is harming LGBTQ+ youth and families. Some of the most special people in my life are in this community and it breaks my heart to see their identities try to be erased. We have to demand equal rights and respect for all.”

RELATED: Billboards Across Florida Are Urging People to ‘Say Gay’ in Defiance of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill

Resources and Hotlines

Cabello’s emergency fund, which was created with the help of Equality Florida and Lambda Legal, has already raised more than $550,000 to protect the LGBTQ community by providing resources for students, teachers, and families impacted by the bill.

In addition to the Protect Our Kids Fund, Lambda Legal, and Daniel Arison Dorsman of The Ted Arison Family Foundation have also put several hotlines in place for parents, students, and teachers seeking critical help and legal resources.

The hotlines are: 833-I-SAY-GAY, 833-SAY-TGNC, and 833-LGBTQLAW.

“I am so grateful to all of our founding partners who are standing in solidarity with LGBTQ youth and families and raising [to] stop this hateful law,” said the 25-year-old singer, who has been a staunch defender of the community since she was a member of Fifth Harmony, the band she exited in 2016 to pursue a solo career.

Contributions to the Protect Our Kids Fund can be made HERE at the organization’s website.

https://theamericanonews.com/floricua/newsletter/

Author

  • Giselle Balido

    Giselle is Floricua's political correspondent. She writes about the economy, environmental and social justice, and all things Latino. A published author, Giselle was born in Havana and grew up in New Jersey and Miami. She is passionate about equality, books, and cats.

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