Barring a Trans Kid From the GSA and Don’t Say Gay
Josh and Dustin learn sad lessons about love, rejection, and authoritarianism
“But Mom, it’s not fair!” shouted Josh as he ran out the front door and slammed it harder than he meant. Icy water slapped him in the belly and he started to shout again.
A gentle laugh stopped him short, and as he rubbed water out of his eyes he saw his dad holding a garden hose, looking guilty through a goofy grin.
“Not now, Dad,” the boy grumbled. “Geez, I’m not 10 anymore, OK?”
His dad lowered the hose, managing to look playful and disappointed at the same time. “Yeah, I guess that expensive 13th birthday party your mom and I are planning shoulda tipped me off, Mr. Teenager.” Then he changed the subject. “Did I hear you two yelling again? What’s up?”
Josh plopped onto the top porch step. “I told her Dustin wants to stay all night after the party. And she said no! It’s not fair, we used to have sleepovers all the time!”
His dad’s lips twisted up like they did when he got confused. “Well, you’re not ten anymore, buddy. Hm?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means your mom and I are super happy about you and Dustin, but we aren’t sure what all the…
