Trans Teacher Saoirse Stone Leaves Florida Amid Hostile Climate for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Saoirse Stone, a 32-year-old high school English teacher in Orlando, Florida, is relocating to Maryland due to the increasingly hostile environment for transgender individuals in her home state. The political landscape shifted dramatically after the enactment of the Parental Rights in Education law, commonly referred to as the "don't say gay" law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. This legislation restricts discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms and mandates that public school employees adhere to pronouns corresponding to a student's sex assigned at birth.

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Stone, who began her transition in 2022, has found that the laws she once studied in law school now govern her daily life as an educator. She is prohibited from discussing her transgender identity with students and must remain silent when misgendered. “If I do that, I could have my teaching certificate revoked,” she stated, highlighting the personal impact of these regulations. Stone has adapted by using the title "coach" in her role as an Esports team leader to circumvent the restrictions on pronouns.

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The emotional toll of navigating these constraints has been significant for Stone. She describes a daily ritual of shedding her teaching persona upon returning home, attempting to reclaim her identity outside the classroom. Financially, the rising cost of living in Orlando has compounded her stress, with rent and utilities consuming over half of her income. Stone and her wife, who works in healthcare, have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with their move to Maryland, where they hope to find a more supportive environment.

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Critics argue that Florida's educational policies are detrimental to both teachers and students. Despite the state's need for qualified educators, many experienced teachers like Stone are leaving due to the restrictive laws. Michael Ollendorff, an administrator for Orange County Public Schools, noted that the district must adhere to state laws, which limits their ability to support teachers facing these challenges. The Florida Department of Education has not publicly commented on the situation.

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As Stone prepares to leave Florida, she reflects on the emotional weight of this decision. “This is my home,” she said, expressing the difficulty of leaving a place where she has spent most of her life. Maryland, under Democratic Governor Wes Moore, offers statewide nondiscrimination protections for gender identity, providing a more welcoming environment for Stone and her wife. She plans to continue her teaching career in Maryland, hopeful that she can fully express her identity without fear of reprisal.

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• “You have to have a clear division,” — Saoirse Stone, Teacher

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• “If I do something that somebody decides violates the law, I don’t believe I’ll get due process,” — Saoirse Stone, Teacher

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• “There is so much hostility toward trans people from the conservatives who are in power right now,” — Saoirse Stone, Teacher

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• “I have done my absolute best to build something for myself here,” — Saoirse Stone, Teacher

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Saoirse Stone's story underscores the challenges faced by educators in Florida amid a shifting political climate, highlighting the broader implications for LGBTQ+ rights and educational environments across the United States.

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