“You can feel that everyone has been a little more timid and nervous about it all,” Zimmerman said. “Going to GSA (gay–straight alliance) meetings, talking about them, even getting into schools to go meet with students and tell them about resources.”

This past school year, Rocklin Unified School District implemented a controversial parental notification policy that requires all school staff and teachers to tell parents if their child had requested to use a different name, pronouns or restroom than they had previously.

Roseville Joint Union passed a similar policy.

On Monday, the California Public Employment Relations Board ruled that the Rocklin policy constitutes unfair labor practices. Earlier this year, it was found to have violated the state education code by the California Department of Education, but county and federal judges around the state have sided with the so-called “parents’ rights” movement.

In Auburn earlier this month, a school board trustee admonished the board for recognizing Pride month.

“The need for extra support has become much more than what they can currently provide,” Kai said. “(Students) need that kind of support that the Placer LGBTQ+ Center would love to give to them.”

Kai added that things have felt more urgent in Placer lately, especially for more vulnerable members of the community, people of color and youth.

In working with peers and youth, Kai said they have all come to the conclusion that “it’s not safe.”

Students can go to counselors with some concerns, Zimmerman said, (though part of the Roseville Joint Union policy included notifying when students go to wellness centers) but sometimes they just need someone who can relate or give advice, something not all counselors can provide.

With the resources of the Sacramento LGBT Center, where Raya served on the board for six years, he saw new opportunities arise for the local LGBTQ community.

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