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Jack Petocz Profile
Jack Petocz

@Jack_Petocz

44,330
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19 y/o homosexual with a megaphone. Strategy @GenZforChange , Vanderbilt Student📢

Florida, USA
Joined April 2020
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
I'm Jack Petocz, a 19 y/o activist that's been fighting for marginalized people for years. Yesterday, I was expelled from Vanderbilt University for peacefully protesting the genocide in Palestine. Vanderbilt will let sexual assaulters walk free, but expel passionate organizers.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Hi! My name is Jack Petocz, I’m the 17-year-old student activist who led nationwide walkouts against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Through being kicked out of school, harassed in public and doxxed, this moment was truly special to me. I’ll keep fighting ❤️
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
We just unseated an extremist school board member that banned LGBTQ+ books, didn’t care about teachers and defended people who verbally harnessed me. Never give up on Florida, so happy right now!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Remember when Don’t Say Gay was being passed, and Republicans tried so hard to frame it as a bill prohibiting sex-ed. Well the law goes into effect in 2 days, and teachers are literally being ordered to scrape off rainbow safe-space stickers from their classroom doors.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Ron DeSantis just removed 4 democratically elected school board members from office. This is the work of an autocrat. I’m terrified.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Florida is 9,000 teachers short for this upcoming school year. Educators are fed up with being underpaid, scrutinized and silenced.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
18! :) Watch out @GovRonDeSantis , I’m of voting age. 😉
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Today, I resigned from @Publix . After 4 years of service, I was so disheartened when the company failed to even make a statement following more than $200,000 in donations to the sponsors of the Don't Say Gay bill. Let's all call on Publix to #StopFundingHate .
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
I may have been suspended, but I will not be silenced. I am proud of who I am, and I am #notafraidtosaygay .
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
My name is Jack Petocz. I am the high school junior who led walkouts in opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and was suspended for passing out pride flags. Now, I’m being prevented from running for senior class president. No matter what, I won’t stop fighting for my community.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
In the same district, teachers in queer relationships are being advised to remove any family portraits. Staff can’t even wear rainbow clothing. We always knew what this was about, silencing LGBTQ+ people.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Ron DeSantis just launched his presidential campaign 🚨 I’m Jack Petocz, an 18 y/o Floridian who’s countered his BS via nationwide walkouts, public pressure, and disruption of his political rallies. The fight has just begun. So help me God, he’ll never touch the White House.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
I organized the statewide #DSGWalkout today in response to attempts to silence and erase the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. I was indefinitely suspended from my school for organizing a peaceful rally. Read my full statement below.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
21 days
📍Vanderbilt University
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
A federal judge JUST BLOCKED DeSantis’ bill to ban college instruction of institutionalized racism! This brave justice said, “The First Amendment does not permit Florida to muzzle its university professors, impose its own orthodoxy of viewpoints, and cast us all into the dark”
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
22 days
Vanderbilt’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment reaches day 28!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Jeffree Star denying the existence of non-binary people for a minute straight. “That’s why conservatives like me, because I’m just real.” “How are you a ‘they’ wtf does that mean?” Such gross behavior.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
I am requesting a meeting with @GovRonDeSantis to voice my opposition to the "Don't Say Gay" bill. Read my full statement below.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Happening Now: We’re blocking the doors at Ron DeSantis’ rally for extremist school board candidates. We’re tired to his administration erasing our identities and experiences. Gen-Z is ready to fight, @GovRonDeSantis . 😘
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Twitter, I made it! Last year, I was suspended from school for peacefully protesting and passing out Pride flags. Today, I graduated Summa Cum Laude and am headed off to Vanderbilt in the fall! Thank you all for your support throughout this journey!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
After the Don’t Say Gay bill was passed, I was thrown out my school for passing out Pride flags. Today, I marched in Orlando Pride with thousands, pride flag in hand. The LGBTQ+ community will never be silenced. @GovRonDeSantis , I hope you’re scared.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Never did I think that the little gay kid from a small town in Florida would be invited to the White House for this historic day. The Respect for Marriage Act has been signed into law! Thank you, @POTUS . 🏳️‍🌈 🥲
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Alright, this got me. I’m sitting in my bedroom at 2 AM, when I have an exam in the morning, bawling my eyes out. What have we become? This is not the Florida that I know.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Growing up, I watched in terror as mass shooting after mass shooting occurred. Today, I asked Ron DeSantis directly, why he doesn’t care about my life and refuses to act on gun violence. Instead of answering me, he sent his security guards to kick me out. We deserve better.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Something I’ve been looking forward to since I was little kid! Just voted for the first time to safeguard equality in Florida! ❤️ Please show up to the polls!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
@OccupyDemocrats Hi, I’m that Florida student. We’re going to keep fighting until we defeat this bigoted governor.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Standing with UNF today as colleges across FL walkout of their classrooms in protest of Ron DeSantis’ oppressive regime. “Racist, sexist, anti-gay, Ron DeSantis GO AWAY!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Today, the Florida House passed the "Don't Say Gay" bill. Students are angry, frustrated and ready to fight this sickening piece of legislation. I'm organizing a statewide school walkout on March 3rd at 12:00 PM in opposition. I encourage student leaders to join me. #DSGWalkout
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
FYI: this was in Broward County. DeSantis used a politicized grand jury report to replace them with his allies.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Congrats to my friend @CharlieCrist on his primary victory! Let’s continue this momentum into November to unseat DeSantis!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
One year ago today, I was thrown out of my school for passing out Pride flags. Since then, I’ve banded together with other queer activists, landed a position at one of the nation’s leading youth nonprofits, and confronted Ron DeSantis directly. Bigots won’t break my soul. 🏳️‍🌈
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Since DeSantis outlawed LGBTQ+ history from our public schools, I decided to dedicate my senior thesis to the Reagan Administration’s negligence as AIDS killed scores. We can never forget or silence the lived experiences of our community.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
As Ron DeSantis attacks a private corporation for denouncing his bigotry, I feel it’s important to note that he LITERALLY got married at Disney World.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
No, @nytimes . We’re not.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Happy Presidents’ Day, @POTUS !
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Can’t go to school. Can’t go to church. Can’t go to the movies. Can’t go to a parade. Can’t go to a concert. Can’t go to a nightclub. Can’t go to a Walmart to shop for the holiday. 💔
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Publix is trending in FL bc I called them out for their exorbitant price gouging. Wait till you all see the pin I had to wear while making $8 an hour in 100-degree heat lol. Btw- just so we're keeping track, Publix made a record $48 billion dollars in sales in 2021.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
11 months
From standing together at protests to the White House, I love my community. Thank you, @POTUS , for always being an ally! Happy Pride 🏳️‍🌈❤️
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
11 months
I can’t even articulate how much it meant as an LGBTQ+ Floridian to hear the Vice President condemn DeSantis’ bigoted actions tonight. Thank you, ⁦ @VP ⁩, for all that you do for our community. ❤️
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Support another local candidate here who has always believed in me! ❤️
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
I think @FoxNews found their new pundit.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Representation matters. When my district banned books with LGBTQ and POC characters, I acquired over 300 to distribute to students in Flagler County. Fight this bigoted censorship.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
My gay heart 😭😭
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Today is a dark day for LGBTQ+ people. Ron DeSantis just BANNED: -Gender-affirming healthcare for minors. -Trans people from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. -Students and staff from using their preferred pronouns in a public school. No words.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
I’m not surprised that the press secretary of a governor, who’s raising taxes on Floridians for the sake of a few minutes of Fox air time, would shit on a working class teenager standing up for themselves and their identity.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
. @0liviajulianna are marching Orlando Pride with the Crist campaign! Say hi!!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
For months, administration has suppressed student voices fighting for Palestine. This includes hyper-surveillance, discrimination towards our SJP and JVP chapters, and cancelling a student-led referendum to divest Vanderbilt Student Government funds from mass slaughter.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
I’m pissed. An upgraded version of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill has just been introduced in the FL legislature. Instead of LGBTQ+ erasure occurring in K-3rd grades, FL Republicans are now seeking to continue restrictions into 8th grade. We will not be silenced.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
The average market price of eggs is about $3.50 a dozen. Today, @Publix is charging close to $9 for a normal non-organic carton. This is a staple that low-income families like my own survivor off of. This is manufactured corporate greed.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
While running some errands a few minutes ago, a car pulled up beside me. He began to violently scream the F-slur at me, while getting very close to my vehicle. This is the reality of queer activists in FL. I fear for my life here.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
My heart is breaking at this meeting. Parents of trans kids are crying at the podium. What this board is doing is so wrong 💔
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
This is incredible!
@jillpalermo
jillpalermo
2 years
Press is not allowed to cover today’s walkouts against the state’s anti-transgender policies at eight Prince William County high schools this morning, but here’s what we can see from public property: hundreds of kids walkout at C.D. Hylton High School at about 9 a.m.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
I came to Vanderbilt with the dream of escaping the rampant bigotry and institutional repression I experienced in the Deep South. That dream has soured. Make no mistake, we will be appealing and attempting to rectify this obscene and undue punishment.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Ron DeSantis is scared to debate Charlie Crist, pass it on.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
Yesterday, they released disciplinary decisions, expelling 3 students, suspending 1, and putting 22 others on probation. This is how a school claiming to champion “free speech” reacts to students rallying together in compassion & love for those outside Vanderbilt's ivory towers.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Proud Boys and other hate groups organized an anti-gay rally in downtown Ft Lauderdale. So we organized a peaceful counter-protest to spread love instead of hate. Look at this queer power. ❤️ 🏳️‍🌈
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
After exhausting every other avenue, 27 students engaged in a sit-in at our chancellor’s office. During this time, Vandy denied us of our basic humanity, restricting access to food, water, restrooms, or medical care. All the while, being cornered by a wall of police & admin.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
To terminate the protest, Vanderbilt arrested 4 students, including me, and forcibly removed 20+ others with police intervention. We were evicted from campus until Vanderbilt had decided our fate for the ultimate crime of caring as 33,000 people have been murdered.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
BREAKING: the Florida Board of Education has just voted to EXPAND Don’t Say Gay’s restrictions to 12th grade. This was NEVER about protecting your children. It’s all an elaborate plan to ERASE people like me from existence. You won’t fucking win.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
I’m spending my morning sitting through footage and actual 911 calls from school shootings across the country. It shouldn’t have to be this way. I should be learning. Fucking do something.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Today, I am so happy to express my support for @CharlieCrist for governor. Charlie, thank you so much for your constant support, and I cannot wait to cast my first ballot for you this November!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
@GovRonDeSantis A room full of white people, says a lot. Especially given that extremist abortion bans, such as the one you signed tonight, disproportionately impact BIPOC communities.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
My teachers are working 2nd and 3rd jobs to make ends meet while we’re fighting over the “wokeness” of AP classes. Get a grip.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
🏳️‍🌈❤️
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
Vanderbilt the choice is yours. Will you repeat your abysmal history with social movements, or let a teenager with a previously clean record continue their education? Follow the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition for updates and calls to action.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
5 months
girl.
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@JohnFetterman
John Fetterman
5 months
“I’m not a progressive, I'm just a regular Democrat.”
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
8 months
Guys I’m so fucking done. In guidance provided to district librarians, Superintendent Mark Vianello of @ccpsfl , ordered the removal of ALL BOOKS with LGBTQ+ characters.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
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I’m gonna cry. This is such a beautiful show of queer joy 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Just a stunning scene inside the FL board of medicine meeting atm! Every time a transphobic bully approaches the dais, the entire room hold trans flags in silent protest.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Hi! My name is Jack Petocz. In addition to being a full-time high school student, I organized the statewide #DSGWalkout , led a notable fight against book banning and have begun to mobilize a coalition of young voters to remove DeSantis from office. Follow me to stay updated!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
When I returned to school, administration pledged to me no further disciplinary action would be taken. Now, they've placed a level 3 referral on my permanent record for organizing the walkout, preventing me from running for leadership in most clubs. I just wanna be left alone.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
The community note on this post is patently false. I did not touch a community service officer, nor am I anywhere near the individual in the video. I’d implore you to trust a student activist over rich, powerful, white men, but that’s your choice. More information will come.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Disney has funded the campaigns of every sponsor and co-sponsor of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. We don’t need your online pandering, we don’t need pride merch to profit off the community, we need commitment. Commitment to stop funding politicians hurting queer youth in Florida.
@GMA
Good Morning America
2 years
NEW: Disney responds to protests and calls for action surrounding Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill, saying in part, "The biggest impact we can have in creating a more inclusive world is through the inspiring content we produce." MORE:
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
A school board member went on a tirade against me and the walkouts I led. She said I, "need to learn how to interact with legislation and legislators." K, I was a guest of POTUS, have had countless meetings with reps, and was a speaker at Harvard. You're 72 attacking a 17 y/o
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
20 days
Vanderbilt is allegedly the only school in the US to EXPEL students for protesting for Palestine. Our Chancellor, Daniel Diermeier, specializes in social movement suppression, advising companies how to “overcome direct challenges from influential activist and political forces.”
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
I’m very excited to announce that I will be a first-generation Vanderbilt student studying political science! Anchor Down! ⚓️💛
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
celebrating the gays
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
As DeSantis utilizes Twitter as a main mode of campaigning, I will continue to use my platform to post important updates and fight back against his crusade of bigotry. Now is not the time for complacency!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
First day of senior year! :)
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Joe Harding who authored the bigoted “Don’t Say Gay” bill was just indicted on federal wire fraud charges. Three words, Mr. Harding: Karma’s a bitch.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
If you want to help me fight, click the link below to send an email to administrators and the superintendent of my district. It’s ridiculous queer kids have to be punished while fighting for our rights.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Senator Scott and Rubio just voted to not advance the Respect for Marriage Act. This is on the heels of the Don’t Say Gay bill and continual attacks on trans youth. FL electeds do not care about my community.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Two years ago to the day, I testified for the first time in a local school board meeting. Yesterday, I met with the President of the United States and watched as he signed an exec order protecting LGBTQ+ students across the nation. Truly an unbelievable experience.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
While my heart breaks for Florida tonight, I'd like to remind everyone that Ron DeSantis does not represent the entirety of my state. There's an entire generation of young people, just coming to voting age, that are tired of his bigoted agenda. Do not ever give up hope.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Speaking at a Charlie Crist rally tonight! ❤️
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
I’m telling you right now- this man is plotting a presidential campaign. For the past year, Ron has been inciting nonexistent cultural wars to grow his national platform. Due to his policies, I’ve been thrown out of school, harassed in public and doxxed. Stop him now.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
❤️
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
This is a crowd awaiting Ron DeSantis’ arrival at a conference in Tampa. My heart breaks for what my home has turned into.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Sarasota County schools literally just mandated teachers out LGBTQ+ students to their parents. This is dangerous, irrational and horrifying. Children will be harassed, assaulted, thrown out of their home and even killed in the name of DeSantis gaining more power. Hate it here.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
279 mass shootings this year and the Supreme Court strikes down common-sense gun control.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
11 months
Besties 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🫶
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Guys- I got accepted into my first college this week! :) I get the rest next month, super excited!
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 year
Kudos to Governor Murphy of New Jersey for doing the right thing and EXPANDING AP African American studies to 26 more schools next year. The governor said, “Enough already of all this nonsense coming out of FL, we want to expand the story and tell the whole truth.”
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Schools need to discipline students spewing hate and homophobia, not those bravely fighting it.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
10 months
Remember when TikTokers messed with the Trump campaign by reserving the majority of tickets to his rally? Wouldn’t it be just horrible if we all banded together and replicated this to put a nail in Ronnie’s coffin? Anyways, I just got my tix, and idk if I can make it Iowa 😉
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
The protest has reached 20 schools in Florida and is growing by the hour! Keep spreading the word. #DSGWalkout
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
1 month
To those feeding into disinformation, I want to make it clear that by no means did I touch a community service officer. Any such accusation is patently false.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
Honored to wear an @orlandoribbons tonight at the #GLAADAwards in order to remember the 49 lives lost at Pulse.
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@Jack_Petocz
Jack Petocz
2 years
A FL Republican said a rainbow truck in a Nickelodeon show is making kids gay. My response:
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