STAY Steering Committee Member Kyra Higgins speaks out about discriminatory bathroom ordinance proposed in Letcher County

Art above by Kyra Higgins, 17,  Redfox, Kentucky

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Redfox, Kentucky-- The Letcher County Fiscal Court announced this week that there will be a proposed bathroom ordinance that would prevent the county with complying with federal law allowing transgender people to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity.

Kyra was one of the young people who helped draft a powerful letter to the Letcher County Fiscal Court, which was presented this morning to Judge Executive Jim Ward and the rest of the court. Kyra Higgins was in school today during the Fiscal Court's meeting, but wanted to share her thoughts on the matter. 

"I've been trying to figure what made me so mad about that ordinance, other than it obviously being useless. I'm tired of living with the stigma that hate and discrimination are okay in the community. Stuff like this happens and makes me think of all the wrong that has been done to me, friends, and family. It's like a sad reminder that the community we want and need is not the reality, and I shouldn't have to grow up thinking that's just another part of life to accept! And I don't want anyone else to either."

Kyra is a 17 year old student at Knott County High School, but she spent her entire summer alongside other youth making films with the Appalachian Media Institute in Letcher County last year (view Kyra's work and other films from AMI here).She also serves on The STAY Project's steering committee, which helps guide and support the main work of the organization along with the staff throughout the year.

 I'm tired of living with the stigma that hate and discrimination are okay in the community. Stuff like this happens and makes me think of all the wrong that has been done to me, friends, and family.......the community we want and need is not the reality, and I shouldn't have to grow up thinking that's just another part of life to accept!

Among so many other incredible accomplishments and talents, Kyra is bound for Georgetown College in Northern Kentucky in the fall to study theater. We could not be more proud to have Kyra on our team, and hope you will help us share her thoughts with the Letcher County Fiscal Court. ​

Contact Judge Executive Jim Ward at letchercountyjudge@yahoo.com or at (606) 633-2129

Contact the Magistrate who introduced the ordinance, Bobby Howard, at (606) 634-4558 or
(606) 633-4314. 

Find contact information for your Letcher County magistrate here and ask them to remove this embarrassing ordinance and ask for it's removal. Also, take the time to share with them what you would rather them spend their time on! 

Are you a young person in the area who wants to be heard?
Click here to contact us with your story of opposition to this bill