Joshua Wescoat of Brewer is a graduate student in the University of Maine’s Master of Social Work program.

I’m a graduate student in the University of Maine’s Master of Social Work program and this semester we were assigned to follow a bill of our choice, mine being LD 1136 — An Act to Defend the Rights of LGBTQ+ Persons in the State. This bill was intended to strengthen the protections for LGBTQ+ people in our state. Then, before I could even begin, the bill was declared “dead.”

I’ll admit that the first thing I felt was alarmed. As both a future social worker and a member of Maine’s LGBTQ+ community, I try to pay attention to policy. Laws don’t just just shape systems; they shape people’s feeling of safety and belonging. So, when a bill focused on protecting a vulnerable community fails, it’s hard for me to not read that as a warning sign. 

I still had an assignment to complete. As someone who values the strength-based approach, I decided to connect with some colleagues and review Maine law to see what protections were already in place. 

Turns out, Maine has built a strong legal foundation for LGBTQ+ rights over the past few decades. Since 2005, state law has prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and education. We declared marriage equality in 2012. Conversion therapy is banned. Gender-affirming care is protected under state law.

These policies directly affect people’s daily lives, from accessing health care to simply existing in their communities. I believe that context is important, especially right now. Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights are being contested. Every day I hear about states moving to restrict care and limit protections. In recent years we have even seen rollback on existing recognition. Maine stands out. Not as perfect, but as a place where protections have been established and defended. 

Recognizing that does not mean we stop paying attention. In fact, now is the most important time to pay attention. I’ve seen how policy affects the people in my community. We know that even when protections exist, there is still uncertainty. A queer person can’t help but notice when our rights are debated because, for us, that uncertainty can affect how safe we feel being ourselves.

That is why we need to continue to pay attention, to let Mainers know that their rights are being examined, even if those rights do not directly benefit them. Let them know what they can do to support their LGBTQ+ neighbors. Yes, even the one you have never met; they deserve to feel safe.

Maintaining a strong system is not a passive process.

I’m thankful that this assignment has shifted my perspective. I am reluctant to admit that I am guilty of doom scrolling in the comment section of a heated post, which always leaves me feeling horrified and hopeless. I chose LD 1136 because it was related to a topic I am passionate about, and its immediate failure felt like a personal setback.

But I was reminded of the important work that is already being done by so many of our state representatives, work that often goes unrecognized by many.

It’s easy to focus on what hasn’t passed, but there’s value in naming what has been achieved. So while LD 1136 may be “dead” for now, the larger efforts to protect LGBTQ+ people in Maine are very much alive. As a student, a future social worker, and a Maine resident I find that to be something worth paying attention to.