Nine-year-old Stevie Browne says he's never worried about being himself at school until now.
The Cairns resident identifies as transgender and is worried about what the future at his religious school might look like.
Stevie's mother, Katie Williamson, said she tried to shield him from news coverage of the controversial religious discrimination bill.
Dr Williamson said when Stevie heard about the legislation he asked her if he'd have to leave his school — but she said it had been supportive so far.
"I think Stevie just wants to be like every other boy," Dr Williamson said.
"It does really feel like a step backwards — it's the modern world, isn't it?"
Stevie said he just felt like a normal kid at a normal school and wasn't sure how to deal with the possible changes.
"I feel angry that they're doing this," he said.
'Complete shemozzle'
Stevie and his mum's concerns were echoed by protesters who gathered outside Warren Entsch's office in Cairns on Friday morning.
After his strong advocacy for same-sex marriage, the Member for Leichhardt's constituents are asking him not to turn his back on the LGBTQI community.
Earlier this week Mr Entsch told the ABC he didn't see the need for the legislation, despite choosing not to oppose the bill.
"But I have serious concerns particularly in relation to what happened at Centrepoint [Christian College] the other day in relation to discrimination against gay children."
Anglican Dioceses of North Queensland priest Neil Forgie, who attended the protest, said he was disappointed Mr Entsch's support had fallen short.
He said he also wasn't entirely sure the bill was needed.
"It's a complete … shemozzle," Fr Forgie said.
"They've had three years to work on this and right at the last minute it comes before parliament.
