- Julia Roberts took to Instagram to advocate for gender-neutral bathrooms on Tuesday.
- In addition to a post, she took to Instagram Stories to direct followers to donate to the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN).
- "GLSEN makes schools safe for every student no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity," Roberts said.
Julia Roberts used her platform to make a powerful statement about gender-neutral bathrooms, advocating for them in a new Instagram post while calling for donations to support LGBTQ rights.
Roberts shared a selfie outside a bathroom with a sign that reads: Gender Neutral Restroom. "I wish they all said this," she wrote, directing fans to watch her newest Instagram Story for more of her thoughts on the subject.
In her Story, Roberts called out the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN). “Hi everybody. I want to talk to you about an organization that I feel really strongly about, it’s called GLSEN,” she said. “GLSEN makes schools safe for every student no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity.”
She went on to say that she has donated to the organization, and asked her fans to do the same. "Click that donation button. Every dollar helps,” she concluded. “Means a lot. Thanks.”
Roberts has previously been a supporter of GLSEN. To celebrate her 49th birthday in 2016, she asked fans to donate $49 to the organization. “It is my pleasure every year to support GLSEN,” she said at the time, per People. “If you wake up next Friday and think, ‘What should I get Julia for her birthday?’ then donate to GLSEN. I’m going to be 49, so a $49 donation would be great."
In 2017, Roberts spoke out in response to the Trump administration, stating she wants all students, and LGBTQ ones in particular, to feel safe and protected at school. She mentioned the story of Miguel Johnson, a 16-year-old GLSEN student ambassador who identifies as gender-fluid.
“I had the pleasure of presenting with Miguel at last year’s GLSEN Respect Awards, and Miguel, like all the students I meet there, is smart, kind and incredibly brave to live their life openly and honestly at such a young age,” Roberts said in a statement. “As a parent, I want all students to feel safe and protected at school, and I stand with Miguel and trans students across the country. You are loved.”
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Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime. She loves owls, hates cilantro, and can find the queer subtext in literally anything.
