Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies invites you to endorse the following statement:

As parents and allies, representatives of South Asian American and other organizations, and concerned community members, we reject the views expressed by Jack Ciattarelli and the American Hindu Coalition regarding the need for LGBTQ inclusive curriculum in New Jersey Public Schools, the expressed ignorance and bias about the experience of LGBTQ children, and assumption that all South Asian Americans and Hindu Americans do not support LGBTQ children.

Age appropriate LGBTQ inclusive curriculum ensures that our children, many of whom are aware of their gender identity and sexual orientation as early as kindergarten, feel supported and affirmed in school and among their peers. It also ensures that all children learn and respect LGBTQ identity and history. An age appropriate inclusive curriculum, along with other legal, social and cultural efforts, addresses the urgent need to save our children's lives. LGBTQ+ children who face rejection at home, school and community are at elevated risk of depression, substance use and suicide.

We condemn the assumption that educating children about the diversity of human sexuality and gender identity is inherently wrong and against parental rights. Children in K-12 schools deserve to have their identities be affirmed in school, deserve to learn about their health and bodies, and deserve to be in a safe educational environment. There are South Asian Americans of all faiths and backgrounds who support the need for a diverse, inclusive, compassionate community that treats children of all sexual orientation and gender identity with love, respect and dignity.

We stand in solidarity with Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies on the need to support LGBTQ children and remove misinformation, bias and hatred in our schools and communities.