Virginia Republican delegate Tim Griffin has attacked a school district’s recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month, calling it “despicable” and “disgusting” while claiming, without evidence, that schools are “transing the kids”.
A Republican state lawmaker in Virginia has lashed out at a local school board for recognising LGBTQ+ History Month, accusing the district of trying to influence children’s gender identities.
Delegate Tim Griffin, who represents parts of Amherst, Bedford and Nelson counties in the Virginia House of Delegates, made the comments in a campaign video posted to Instagram after the Loudoun County School Board approved a proclamation recognising October as LGBTQ+ History Month.
“Loudoun County in Virginia is up to it again, where they are now having a gay month, an LGBTQ transing the kids month in October,” Griffin said.
He went on to suggest the observance was deliberately timed to reach students while they were in school.
“If you thought that was only for June, I thought that as well,” he said, before claiming schools wanted to get more children into a “transing programme”.
No evidence has been presented that Loudoun County Public Schools operates any programme designed to change students’ gender identities.
What does the proclamation actually say?
The school board’s proclamation recognises October as LGBTQ+ History Month and encourages staff, students and the wider community to acknowledge the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ people.
It also affirms the district’s existing commitments around non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
The proclamation does not establish a programme to transition students, require students to identify as LGBTQ+, or compel participation in any activity.
Loudoun County Public Schools has described the recognition as part of its broader commitment to equity, belonging and inclusion.
Griffin nevertheless condemned the decision.
“Despicable, disgusting. I hate to see this,” he said.
“Leave children alone. Like we shouldn’t have to do this.”
School board approved the measure after debate
The proclamation was approved by the Loudoun County School Board in September by five votes to one, with three members abstaining, according to local reporting cited by The Advocate.
Board member Deana Griffiths cast the sole vote against it and questioned what schools might teach in connection with the observance.
Another board member, Ross Svensen, argued that affirming students was part of creating an environment where they could learn.
“We are here to ensure our schools are affirming, inclusive spaces,” Svensen said.
What is LGBTQ+ History Month?
LGBTQ+ History Month in the United States dates back to 1994, when Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson advocated for a dedicated period recognising LGBTQ+ history in a similar way to Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
October was chosen in part because schools are in session, and because the month includes National Coming Out Day and anniversaries associated with major LGBTQ+ rights marches on Washington.
It is distinct from Pride Month, which is observed in June.
Schools, universities, libraries and community organisations around the United States now mark LGBTQ+ History Month in different ways, including through historical displays, educational resources and recognition of LGBTQ+ figures.
Loudoun County remains a culture-war flashpoint
Loudoun County Public Schools has repeatedly become a focus of national political disputes involving LGBTQ+ students, curriculum and school policy.
The district previously faced lawsuits and intense public debate over policies relating to transgender and gender-expansive students, including rules around names, pronouns and equal treatment.
Griffin’s latest comments place the district back in the centre of that wider debate.
He first won election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2023 and currently represents the 53rd District.
For LGBTQ+ students and families, the latest controversy illustrates how even symbolic recognition of queer history can become caught up in broader political arguments about gender and education.
The proclamation itself is straightforward: October is being recognised as LGBTQ+ History Month.
The claim that doing so amounts to “transing the kids” is Griffin’s political characterisation — not a description of what the policy says or does.
