April 3, 2023

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CONTACT: Ali Mayeda, media@equalityfederation.org

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LGBTQ+ Communities Fight Back Against Coordinated Nationwide Assault

State legislators have passed 28, proposed 460 

anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ bills

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In 2023, state lawmakers have introduced 460 bills attacking LGBTQ+ people, with 356 bills specifically targeting transgender people. Recent reports indicate that the record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills result from a coordinated, nationwide effort by far-right politicians with ties to extremist groups.

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So far in 2023, states have enacted 28 anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ bills, including legislation or executive action banning or further restricting gender-affirming health care for adults or children in twelve states:, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Montana, Tennessee, Idaho, and Arkansas. In 2022, Arizona and Alabama passed similar laws banning health care. Advocates expect as many as twenty states will ban gender-affirming health care this year. 

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While the overwhelming majority of LGBTQ+ legislation this year has been focused on removing or restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ people, 9 states have also enacted 5 pro-LGBTQ+ bills, such as Michigan’s nondiscrimination law.

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Equality Federation Director of Advocacy & Civic Engagement Vivian Topping had the following comment on the legislative assault on transgender people:

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“Transgender people just want the freedom to live our lives, do our jobs, raise our families, and pursue our dreams. But some politicians are stoking fear and trying to use transgender people as a political wedge issue. As leaked emails and public comments show, a small network of religious extremists is behind these attempts, and they seek to erase transgender people from public life.

“Let’s also be clear: these bills disproportionately harm trans people who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Trans people of color already face high rates of discrimination in health care, housing, employment, and every facet of daily life. Bills that further restrict trans people’s access to health care and public spaces will impact trans people of color first and worst. Bills that allow schools, law enforcement, or the state government to interfere in trans people’s lives will be used disproportionately to target trans people of color. The LGBTQ+ movement must name the racist impacts of anti-trans legislation and center the voices and experiences of the trans leaders and activists who are courageously resisting.

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“Despite violent threats and an unprecedented legislative attack on our freedom and dignity, every day, our community is fighting back with strength and courage. Our power comes from the long history of trans and LGBTQ+ resistance. And, our power is deeply rooted in love: love for each other, love for our families, and love for our community. We are building a world where we are all free to be ourselves. We are building a world where no matter where you call home, you can thrive and live your most authentic life.

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“To the people behind these bills, we have one message: trans people and our families have always been here, and we always will be. We will defy these attacks the same way we’ve resisted for generations: with community care and fierce love. Alongside our friends, families, and neighbors, we will continue to show up in our communities, in our statehouses, and at the ballot box. Trans people cannot and will not be erased.”

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Equality Federation is an advocacy accelerator rooted in social justice, building power in our network of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) advocacy organizations. 

https://www.equalityfederation.org/

To join the fight for trans justice and LGBTQ+ equality, find an organization in your state: https://www.equalityfederation.org/about#member

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