How to eat an elephant

By Nancy Ford

Hey, gang. Let’s start this column by asking a question you may have heard before, but its wisdom endures the test of time: How do you eat an elephant?

One Texas judge recently stuck his fork into the meat of our state’s GOP’s hide by temporarily barring a group of public school districts from enforcing the nation’s first law explicitly banning LGBTQ+ student clubs. LGBTQNation.com reported that the delightfully wise and prudent Judge Charles Eskridge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that three school districts — Houston, Plano and Katy, specifically — could not enforce state law Senate Bill 12, which passed in 2025.

S.B. 12 is also known as a “Bill of Parental Rights” because it requires more parental notification when it comes to their children’s mental and physical health in schools. So far, so good.

But then things get sketchy. This bill also seeks to restrict various diversity initiatives in public schools, like clubs traditionally known at Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs) where students find fellowship, common ground and support. Additionally, the bill also bans teachers from referring to trans students by their preferred first names, no matter if their own parents support their child’s transition.

That doesn’t sound very supportive of the students’ rights, does it?

“This win is bigger than me,” said plaintiff Adrian Moore, a Katy ISD student. “It’s a win for all trans students, and students from all backgrounds in my district. Schools should be places where all students feel safe and supported. I hope this lawsuit sends the message that when the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies work in solidarity, we can make a difference.”

Nevertheless, Republicans who back the bill claim LGBTQ+-supportive clubs are “sexualizing” children.
Out state Rep. Erin Zwiener (D) labeled the bill as “One of the most nakedly hateful bills we have had on the floor of this House.”

Sounds like business as usual in the Texas Lege so far, right?

“We’re not going to allow gay clubs, and we’re not going to allow straight clubs,” state Rep. Jeff Leach (R) blathered, probably with visible little drops of spittle in the corners of his sanctimonious mouth. “We shouldn’t be sexualizing our kids in public schools, period. And we shouldn’t have clubs based on sex.”
Will somebody please explain the difference between “sex” and “gender” to Rep. Leach and his deluded Republican buddies? Come to think of it, they could call Hatch to enlighten themselves.

Originally established as Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals, you likely already know that Hatch is the Montrose Center-supported LGBTQ youth group. Since 1987, Hatch has provided young folks — queer and otherwise — a safe, nonjudgmental space to be themselves. At least weekly, Hatchlings meet to learn about “LGBTQIA+ health issues and accessing care, mental health and wellness, LGBTQIA+ rights, queer history and community resources.” Hatch encourages kids to express themselves through creative writing and art, play games and generally do fun things that teens do.
Hatch famously also produces an annual Prom where Hatch youth and their supporters can dress up and dance with the partner(s) of their own choice without fear of getting beaten up in the parking lot.
Ultimately, Hatch allows students to celebrate themselves away from disapproving glares (and worse) from bullying fellow students and, regrettably, adults like Rep. Jeff Leach. All for free. For almost 50 years.

So, congratulations to Hatch and the Montrose Center on this legislative victory over discrimination and hate. Keep up the good work.

And big thanks to Judge Eskridge for his ruling that allows GSAs in at least three Texas school districts to continue providing a safe space to socialize, unwind, learn about their history not only to queer kids, but also for their straight friends.

Three Texas school districts down, 1204 (or so) districts to go.

And that, my friends, is how you eat an elephant.

On a side note, you might have seen a political ad attacking Montrose Center for having the temerity to support of “drag queen story hour” in local libraries and other venues. The politician in question here is Senator John Cornyn — like you needed to be told. Thanks for the free publicity, Sen. Cornyn. Hopefully the unintended consequence of your message will reach the ears of some young LGBTQ student who needs the comfort, community and empowerment that groups like Hatch provide.

For more information about Hatch, log on to MontroseCenter.org.

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