Speak Up for LGBTQ+ Youth

Are you passionate about the well-being of children and youth in South Carolina?

This is your opportunity to speak truth to power.

So much of the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that South Carolinians have grappled with in the past few years— and what we anticipate fighting in 2025— has focused on the welfare of children and youth. Many of you have reached out and asked... What can I do?

This is your opportunity to provide information to legislators from the South Carolina House and Senate, as well as key stakeholders who shape many policies that affect the children of South Carolina. Every year, the committee hosts hearings across South Carolina that offer a unique opportunity to influence the policy-making process from start to finish rather than wait until a bill moves through the legislature. 

The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children is hosting its annual fall hearings. Plan now to attend!  

• Conway: September 10th: 5:00pm-7:00pm
  Horry Georgetown Technical College, Burroughs & Chapin Auditorium, Building 1100B, 2050 US-501 E, Conway, SC.

• Columbia: September 17th: 9:00am-12:00pm and 5:00pm-7:00pm
  SC State House Grounds, Gressette Building, Room 105, Columbia, SC.

• Spartanburg: September 24th: 5:00pm-7:00pm
  USC Upstate, Campus Life Center, Ballroom 310, 800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC.

• Charleston: October 3rd: 5:00pm-7:00pm
  Charleston County Council Chambers, 4045 Bridge View Dr., North Charleston, SC.

To testify, you will need to sign up in advance. Please email the committee at ChildrensCommittee@sc.edu. The hearings will be live-streamed on the State House website. Additionally, written testimony will be accepted until October 4th. If you have any questions about the process or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact action@affa-sc.org.