Alabama

‘How long before they come for us?’: Families with trans kids are fundraising to flee Alabama to avoid the brunt of anti-trans laws

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2022

Press Room

‘How long before they come for us?’: Families with trans kids are fundraising to flee Alabama to avoid the brunt of anti-trans laws

Dad and mom of trans youngsters in Alabama are making frantic makes an attempt to flee the state.
Anti-trans laws that goes into impact Could 8 bans medical doctors from offering gender-affirming healthcare, amongst different issues.
Dad and mom instructed Insider that their youngsters want entry to gender-affirming healthcare.

Heather had a plan.

The 48-year-old mom moved from Pennsylvania to Alabama final July together with her two sons to quiet down, dwell a bit of nearer to her prolonged household, and — for the primary time — her eldest son, 15, would attend public college after being home-schooled all of his life.

After making the journey down South, Heather enrolled her son, who’s trans, on the Magic Metropolis Acceptance Academy — a constitution college in Birmingham, Alabama, which prides itself on selling an “LGBT-affirming studying atmosphere.”

Now, Heather has to rethink life in Alabama.

Gov. Kay Ivey just lately signed into legislation an anti-trans invoice, often called SB 184, which criminalizes medical doctors for offering gender-affirming medical care to kids. It’s punishable by as much as 10 years in jail.

The invoice, which critics say additionally forces academics to out trans youngsters, is deliberate to enter impact Could 8. Nevertheless, two federal lawsuits in opposition to the legislation have been filed.

However, Heather mentioned she’s not ready round for a decide to decide. She determined to uproot the life she’s spent 9 months constructing together with her sons in Alabama in favor of security elsewhere.

“I had deliberate to remain right here the remainder of my life,” she mentioned. “However figuring out that the state of Alabama doesn’t need us right here, that just about made up my thoughts that we have to depart.”

Heather and her son, like the opposite mother and father and youth who spoke to Insider for this story, requested to solely be recognized by their first title or preliminary — citing security issues and worry of retribution.

In a telephone interview, her son, who requested to be recognized as R, instructed Insider he was wanting ahead to attending Magic Metropolis — he mentioned he even made associates with college students there on-line —however now he has to take a look at potential colleges elsewhere.

“I form of want individuals would simply think about what it will be prefer to undergo the flawed puberty, he mentioned. “It would not make sense why so many individuals are so in opposition to individuals simply attempting to be themselves and dwell.”

Heather arrange a GoFundMe to cowl transferring bills. Up to now, the household has raised a bit of over $8,000 out of a $30,000 objective.

She worries that if she stays in Alabama, she’ll have to decide on between ensuring her youngsters can dwell blissful, fulfilling lives and following the legislation.

“How lengthy earlier than they arrive for us? I might be charged with a felony,” she mentioned. “And my youngsters want me. I do not need to put them ready the place they do not have me.”

In Alabama, hostility and worry pressure robust selections for youths and fogeys

Kim, one other Alabama mum or dad, instructed Insider her 12-year-old daughter had simply began hormone remedy in January.

When Ivey signed SB 184 into legislation, the household began a GoFundMe asking for donations to assist them transfer to Massachusetts, the place a number of hospitals provide gender-affirming take care of her daughter. She has already surpassed her GoFundMe objective of $30,000.

Her daughter started transitioning when she was 6. At a college in New Hampshire, her daughter instructed her first-grade trainer on the time that “she wished to die as a result of she was uninterested in all people calling her a boy,” the 33-year-old mom mentioned.

“We took her to her pediatrician and a psychologist and so they all mentioned, ‘Observe her lead,’” Kim continued. “So we did.”

Earlier than she started transitioning, she instructed Kim she did not need to minimize her hair brief and requested if she might put on sparkly sneakers and clothes to highschool. Children used to bully her for dressing up in lady garments.

However, she turned “exponentially happier” after transitioning, Kim mentioned.

Now she attends college on-line, the place no one is aware of she’s trans, Kim mentioned. However she worries that SB 184, which is able to pressure academics to out trans college students to folks, will create a detrimental, anti-trans atmosphere for her youngster in Alabama.

“She would not really feel like she ought to have to cover it,” Kim mentioned. “However on the identical time, she would not really feel like she has to announce it to all people.”

“She has to dwell cautiously,” Kim added.

Julián, a 17-year-old scholar in Alabama, instructed Insider solely his dad is supportive of his trans identification. Now, his highschool has turn out to be a probably unsafe place for him.

After SB 184, academics who know he is trans have been pulling him apart in school and asking if he is okay. One trainer instructed him she loves him and her different trans college students and “simply needs us to be OK,” Julián wrote in an e-mail to Insider.

He mentioned he is been questioning which trainer will finally inform his mother, who’s not supportive of his trans identification. Julián has an appointment with an endocrinologist scheduled for December 2022. However now he is unsure whether or not he’ll have the ability to go.

“College was as soon as a protected place for me, however now I simply really feel paranoid,” he mentioned.

Different households are rigorously evaluating the choice to flee. One GoFundMe consumer is asking for donations to assist finance their healthcare prices and assist them depart Alabama.

Jess Eisenberg, a 38-year-old mum or dad of a 5-year-old gender-diverse youngster, additionally instructed Insider she has thought of transferring out of state.

“We have talked about transferring to Seattle or again to Chicago,” she instructed Insider. “Housing costs are insane proper now, so we preserve taking deep breaths to see if we will wait this out.”

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Alabama

LSU Football Trending for Coveted Alabama Linebacker Following Unofficial Visit

Published

5 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Press Room

LSU Football Trending for Coveted Alabama Linebacker Following Unofficial Visit

Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff hosted one of the biggest recruiting events of the summer on Friday for the program’s annual Bayou Splash in Baton Rouge.

For Kelly and the Tigers, they brought in a myriad of commitments in both the 2025 and 2026 classes along with targets at the top of their Big Board.

The invite-only event was once again a huge success for the program with LSU now trending for numerous targets.

One name to keep tabs on is Gulf Shores (Ala.) native JaMichael Garrett.

The four-star 2026 linebacker has seen his status as a recruit skyrocket over the last few months after cracking the Top 150 in the recent update.

A Top 10 linebacker in America, Garrett has the Who’s Who of college football pursuing his services, but after trimming his list, it’s LSU and Auburn who are his finalists.

On Friday, Garrett made the drive to Baton Rouge for LSU’s Bayou Splash recruiting event where he was accompanied by several of the top targets on LSU’s radar.

@CoachBrianKelly 🐯🐯?! pic.twitter.com/eAZMP8PhUI
— Jamichael “Jmike” Garrett (@jamichael97) June 6, 2024

Following the trip to check in with LSU, he hopped back in the car to make the trip up to Auburn where he will visit with the [Auburn] Tigers on Saturday.

With his finalists set in stone, Garrett confirmed a commitment is “coming soon” with a decision likely coming within the next week.

Right now, LSU is trending for his services following a beneficial visit to Baton Rouge for the Bayou Splash event.

Garrett is an elite-level linebacker who could thrive under defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s system. There is a need for linebackers in the 2026 cycle with the Tigers turning up the heat for Garrett.

LSU currently holds a pair of 2026 commitments, but after a huge weekend on the recruiting trail, we could see more pop sooner than later.

All signs point to Garrett joining the class.

Late Friday night, we saw the first prediction come in from On3 Sports’ Shea Dixon with more buzz trending LSU’s way.

announcement coming soon … @Hayesfawcett3
— Jamichael “Jmike” Garrett (@jamichael97) July 27, 2024

For the Tigers, it would be a tremendous get for a program that is eyeing improvement for the long haul on the defensive side of the ball.

A Top 10 linebacker in America, Garrett is at the top of LSU’s 2026 Big Board with the program looking to get him on board sooner rather than later.

On Friday, he was alongside several top 2026 prospects with the No. 1 prospect in the country in town, Jahkeem Stewart.

Stewart, the the top recruit in the 2026 cycle, is just down the road from Baton Rouge and Brian Kelly’s coaching staff has kept tabs on the prospect many are preparing to call “generational”.

The prized defensive lineman plays his high school ball at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans (La.) where the Bayou Bengals have certainly dipped their toes in over the years.

From Leonard Fournette to Tyrann Mathieu, there have been several LSU greats that have come from the impressive Catholic League high school.

Now, LSU has their sights set on the next great recruit out of St. Augustine in coveted prospect Jahkeem Stewart.

The No. 1 overall player in the country, Stewart is a physical specimen of a defensive lineman who has programs across America salivating at his ceiling.

With a myriad of programs in his ear, Bo Davis and the Tigers have made sure to get in on the action as well.

LSU Football Lands Commitment From Five-Star Cornerback DJ Pickett, America’s No. 1 CB

LSU Baseball Flips Prized Pitcher, Texas A&M Commit Cooper Williams

SEC Media Days Notebook: Brian Kelly, LSU Eyeing Growth in 2024

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU program.

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Alabama

Check out these five scenic parks in Alabama – Yellowhammer News

Published

12 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Press Room

Check out these five scenic parks in Alabama – Yellowhammer News

Alabama State Parks offer lots of opportunities for fun, adventure, and family escapes, especially in summer.

Monte Santo State Park

Madison County

The overlook at Monte Santo State Park is a perfect place for couples. (Alabama State Parks)

Known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, Monte Santo offers diverse outdoor activities and miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and families looking for a peaceful retreat.

Langan Park

Mobile

Langan Park in Mobile is the perfect place to take in the outdoors in Alabama’s Port City. (George Dodd / Getty Images)

An urban oasis featuring lakes, walking trails, and large green spaces, Langan Park is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors enjoy amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and the Mobile Museum of Art.

Blount Cultural Park

Montgomery

The Renaissance Bridge is a landmark at Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery. (Daniela Duncan / Getty Images)

A blend of art and nature, this park is home to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Blount Cultural Park is beautifully landscaped with gardens, ponds, and scenic walking trails for the perfect day for nature lovers or anyone looking for outdoor respite.

Black Creek Park

Fultondale

Waterways and rocks add to the natural beauty of Fultondale’s Black Creek Park. (Beth Bachelor / Getty Images)

A spot featuring scenic walking trails, lush greenery and a family-friendly atmosphere, Black Creek Park is a natural getaway. Enjoy outdoor movie night under the stars, adding a touch of cinematic magic to this beautiful park.

Oak Mountain State Park

Pelham

Peavine Falls is one of the most photogenic locations at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. (Serge Yatunin / Getty Images)

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Oak Mountain State Park offers a range of activities from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and horseback riding. With beautiful lakes and scenic views, it’s the perfect destination for adventure and relaxation.

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Alabama

These Alabama airports are sharing $22 million in federal grants

Published

19 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

These Alabama airports are sharing million in federal grants

Alabama airports are splitting $22 million in the latest round of federal grants to improve infrastructure like runways, lighting and taxiways.

Huntsville International Airport and Birmingham- Shuttlesworth International Airport are in line for the largest slices of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Grants, which are based both on passenger volume and capital improvement needs.

HSV will be getting $12.8 million to help shift a taxiway 200 feet and rehabilitate pavement and lighting on Runway 18/36, according to the FAA. In Birmingham, $6.9 million is earmarked for rehabilitation and construction of additional taxiways.

“The funding we’re announcing today will allow hundreds of airports to make critical improvements that will benefit passengers for years to come,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release announcing the grants.

The remaining funds are going to 10 other airports in the state, including: