we are not defined by our legislators

*CLARIFICATION* HEA 1608 restricts teaching “human sexuality” in pre-K to grade 3 schools. When Rahul isn’t in school, he spends his time at the statehouse advocating for environmental and energy causes. But being gay himself, Rahul is also concerned for the future of LGBTQ+ Hoosiers. Rahul, 17, talks with me about Indiana’s recent legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, how Indiana maintains its Republican supermajority, and how he feels about all of it. Learn more about Rahul and other youths’ climate activism efforts here. Things you should know: Indiana has only had one Asian American state lawmaker and one openly gay state lawmaker in history. This legislative session⁠, Indiana passed a bill restricting instruction on “human sexuality” in public schools from pre-K to third grade. Indiana also passed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. ⁠Last year⁠, Indiana passed a bill banning transgender girls from participating in girls’ high school sports. Studies show that ⁠gerrymandering in Indiana⁠ is some of the worst in the country. Funded by Northwestern University’s Office of Undergraduate Research Hosted, written, recorded, produced and edited by Lily Shen Audio edited, cleaned, and mixed by Chloe Koser Music by Lily Shen and Chloe Koser