WATCH: Neb. Student Can Read LGBT Poem on Local TV

The Nebraska School Activities Association will now allow a high-school senior to recite a poem he wrote that addresses gender identity and sexual orientation on local public television, reversing a controversial decision made just a day earlier.

Michael Barth is a senior at Gordon-Rushville High School in Gordon, Neb., and last week he won first place in the Class C1 poetry division of the Nebraska School Activities Association's statewide speech and drama competition, according to BuzzFeed. Traditionally, nine of the winning students are selected to perform their pieces on a "Best of the Best" showcase on Nebraska Educational Television, a joint effort of the state's PBS and NPR stations. Barth was among those nine students but told the Lincoln Journal Starthat NSAA's executive director, Rhonda Blanford-Green, said he would have to change the bulk of his poem if he wanted to perform it, cutting references to gender identity and sexual orientation.

Barth's winning poem borrowed verses from the Grammy-nominated equality anthem "Same Love," by Macklemore and combined them with several stanzas about a gender-nonconforming kindergarten teacher from a spoken-word piece called "Swingset" by out slam poet Andrea Gibson. According to The Huffington Post, Barth's piece also involved original text, including a stanza that read, "I tell my guy friends that I love 'em / And sometimes, sometimes I even hug 'em / Not because I'm gay, but because I love 'em."

Trending stories

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Jess King is here to help you live your happiest, healthiest life yet

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Sam Rockwell's 'White Lotus' monologue is now on a hat for fans to buy

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

Everything we know about Austin Wolf's arrest, court date & what happens next (updated)

Gerald Garth is determined to keep people of color happy and healthy through trying times

Meet the cast of new lesbian dating show 'You Hauled'

Katseye’s Lara Rajagopalan comes out, says she's 'half fruitcake'

8 of Jonathan Groff's best (and most iconic) gay roles

Orville Peck opens up about being a 'recovering love addict'

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Pride journey Walla Walla: An LGBTQ+ wine, food, and adventure getaway

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Olly Alexander's sexy new album 'Polari' is inspired by cruising & intimacy

How Paul Tazewell brought his Oscar-winning 'Wicked' designs to life

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

Arnold Schwarzenegger reacts to Patrick's 'White Lotus' incest scenes

Kelly Marie Tran says all of her roles are queer — including her latest in 'Control Freak'

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

After swift outcry over what many saw as censorship -- a Facebook group called Support Michael and Acceptance of Speech has nearly 1,500 members -- the NSAA reversed its decision Wednesday afternoon, confirming that Barth will be allowed to perform his poetry program as written.

"The intent of my decision was not to stifle freedom of speech, but rather to avoid any negative connotations for individuals within this statewide production," said Blanford-Green in the statement announcing the reversed decision. "The NSAA will continue to advocate for all students and promote equitable opportunities through activity participation."

Watch a report from Nebraska's KETV on the controversy below.