Democratic State Senator John Frederickson—Nebraska's first openly gay lawmaker—delivered an impassioned speech in defense of transgender youth during a legislative session on Friday, April 5.
With tears in his eyes, Fredrickson addressed the Assembly, pledging unwavering support for the rights of trans children not only in Nebraska but across the entire United States.
His speech unfolded amidst a heated debate surrounding a proposed bill known as the Sports and Spaces Act, aimed at restricting trans students' access to facilities and sports teams aligned with their gender identity.
This legislation would threaten to further marginalize trans youth by denying them access to basic amenities like bathrooms and locker rooms, as well as excluding them from sports competitions.
Frederickson said:
"The world can be tough and scary. I personally know a thing or two about having a family that many people might say is not normal. I stand here today, confidently, to tell you if you love your kids unconditionally for who they are, and if they know they’re loved, you can weather a lot.”
"So this weekend, when you go home, I want you to love your babies."
"Surround yourself with the people who love you, let them know that you love them, and don't spend a minute of your energy or time thinking about any of my colleagues in here who are too scared of difference to allow themselves to understand and celebrate the beauty and joy that you bring to our state."
Frederickson shared the footage of his speech to X, formerly Twitter, adding:
"Love, not hate. Hope, not fear. Inclusion, not division."
"I'm proud of the Nebraska Legislature's efforts today to protect trans kids in our state."
You can see his message and hear what he said in the video below.
The Sports and Spaces Act ultimately met its demise by a narrow margin, with Republican Senators Tom Brand and Merv Riepe—who initially co-sponsored it with their colleague Kathleen Kauth—abstaining from voting, effectively rendering it inactive for the remainder of the legislative session.
The measure could not overcome a filibuster after a vote of 31-15 failed to cross the 33-vote threshold.
In light of that, many praised Frederickson for speaking out so eloquently.
Frederickson made headlines for a similar defense of trans children last year.
His speech, in which he praised trans children and all LGBTQ+ youth as fellow "survivors" and drew on his own success in politics despite facing an uphill battle as a gay man, came in response to a 2022 update of a Lincoln City Council "fairness ordinance" to provide protections for individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Despite unanimous approval, opponents of the ordinance launched a referendum to repeal it. The move was criticized for stripping not just transgender individuals of their protections, but also veterans and disabled individuals.
The opposition group, the Nebraska Family Alliance, even referred to the ordinance as a "gender identity bathroom ordinance," falsely claiming it would allow "biological men in women's showers, locker rooms, and restrooms."
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