Florida Teen Obeys “Dont Say Gay Bill” by Talking About His Curly Hair

A few weeks ago, at a high school graduation ceremony in Sarasota, Florida, the class president, Zander Moricz, got up to give his speech. One a "He spoke about his experiences and activism as Pine View School's first openly gay class president, but in his commencement address, he never said he was gay. Instead, he used his curly hair as a euphemism for his sexual orientation."

School officials had told Moricz that his mic would be cut off if he mentioned his sexuality or activism, especially his activism against the "don't say gay" bill that limits what teachers and others can and cannot say about gender, sex, or sexuality in Florida schools. He also wasn't to disclose that he was a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the bill in court.

This story is one of my favorite examples of resistance that there is an appearance of submission to the oppressive structure while using that apparent submission to subvert the system itself. Moricz didn't mention any of the banned topics; his curly hair was a sufficient stand. His public Twitter feud with the school probably helped too.