Update: Senator José Rodríguez has introduced a comprehensive nondiscrimination bill, SB 165, that would protect LGBT Texans from discrimination in employment, housing, and in public accommodations – places like restaurants. Pledge your support!

Texas is poised to usher in a wave of anti-LGBTQ bills. Equality Federation and Equality Texas anticipate upwards of 100 bills to be the horizon. Some have already been filed. On the first day of the new session, State Senator Bob Hall re-introduced SB 92, a bill that would nullify existing LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections at the country and municipal level, including like places like Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and Plano, where those protections are already in place. Senator Koni Burton introduced SB 242, which would out LGBT students to their parents. Additionally, Governor Dan Patrick, reiterated his commitment to introduce a dangerous anti-transgender bill similar to North Carolina’s HB2.

These types of bills single out LGBTQ people and threaten the wellbeing of all Texans. As we’ve seen in other states, put the economy in great danger as companies decide not to do business with places that discriminate.

We’ll be tracking these attacks, and working with Equality Texas to defeat them while at the same time advancing  legislation that will provide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ Texans and their families.

In preparation for these battles, Equality Texas has been working hard to educate people across the state about the real lives of transgender people through their Transgender Tuesdays series, which features beautiful video stories.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated about what is happening in Texas and all across the country as the legislative season heats up.