FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2019

CHEYENNE, WY -- On Monday, Wyoming Equality filed an informal complaint with Senate Leadership regarding Senator Lynn Hutchings’ inappropriate behavior towards Central High School's Gay-Straight Alliance club students during last week’s GSA Civics Day on Friday, February 1. As of today, we know that Senate leadership and Senator Hutchings know about our complaint. We’re waiting for further updates from Senate leadership and what, if any, actions will be taken to address our concerns.

Read a copy of our letter to the Senate here.

During GSA Civics Day, we encourage students to engage in lively, civic dialogue. Senator Hutchings’ comments were not that; it was inappropriate and inexcusable.

But this incident is not unique. We hear stories like this across Wyoming all time. The difference is this happened at the state legislature where every Wyomingite should be welcomed and given the respect and dignity we all deserve.

Our LGBTQ youth should never be anything less than proud for being who they are. GSAs, by their very existence, combat suicide and self-harm among Wyoming’s youth. We ask the Senate to not undo this vital work.

To GSA students and LGBTQ youth:

You are our heroes. We’re so proud of your reliance and strength. Your stories and experiences matter. In this fight for equality, we’ve got your back because when you attack one of us, you attack all of us.

For more information about the Wyoming Gay-Straight Alliance Network, visit: http://www.wygsanetwork.org/

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Contact: Shayna Lonoaea-Alexander

(307) 778-7645 Ext. 701 | shaynaa@wyomingequality.org

Wyoming Equality is the state’s only statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We strive to achieve equity for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer Wyomingites by building broad and inclusive communities, shifting the hearts and minds of our neighbors, and achieving policy victories. www.wyomingequality.org