Personal Testimony at HB 7 / SB 148 "Stop WOKE" Florida State Education Committee Hearing
Channel: Spectral Kittie
Date: 16/02/2022

Transcript:
Chairman Latvala: Kate Wootel, followed by Stephany Mahaffey, followed by Levander Hern.
Katė: Good evening, my name is Katė Wootel, the founder of the Southern Association for Neurodiverse Self Advocacy. As a non-binary transfemme, I already face considerable discrimination in the workplace; and this is in companies that already have mandated training. Removing the ability to give DEI training will only increase the hostility directed at myself and other gender diverse Floridians. This bill is plain bigotry disguised as “freedoms”. It is designed to chill speech and as “red meat” bill to appeal to a prejudiced base that includes white supremicists and neo-nazis, which the Republican party, including our corrupt governer, courts with a wink -
Chairman Latvala: Please keep your comments to the bill.
Katė: This is about the bill.
Chairman Latvala: Not - not to particular politicians.
Katė: Oh, I would also say that because so many people have not spoken that the remaining speakers should get extra time.
Chairman Latvala: Please keep your comments to the bill.
Katė: Alright. Adding amendments is like putting flowers on poo - you aren't changing what's underneath. Before I came out at my workplace they held a mandated training to create a safer space. Despite the training, I was still treated with hostility, intentional misgendering, and stabs at my identity, like being called a “man in a dress”. I can’t imagine how bad it would be with no training. I find my treatment very discomforting - you are legislating to protect the feelings of bigots over the voices of marginalized groups. I want to be treated as an equal, which is still a long way off. This is a step in the wrong direction. We’re here, we’re queer, and we deserve respect. 
Chairman Latvala: Thank you for being here. Stephany Mahaffey followed by Levander Hern.