Cecily Zamora
In recent years, there has been a surge in anti-trans legislation across the United States, threatening the rights and freedoms of transgender and non-binary individuals. This has resulted in a wave of discriminatory bills and laws targeting various aspects of their lives, including healthcare, education, sports participation, and bathroom usage. To fight these anti-trans laws, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and local groups have been actively challenging discriminatory legislation through lawsuits, advocacy, and mutual aid projects. Individuals can also play a role by donating to these organizations, participating in virtual protests, and staying informed about the issues at hand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2023 | 400 |
| Number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2023 targeting transgender and non-binary people | 200 |
| Bills targeting | Education, sports, healthcare, pronouns, drag shows |
| Bills proposed by | Anti-LGBTQ hate groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom |
| Ways to fight | Donate to local groups that help trans people; join mutual aid projects; participate in direct action protests; reach out to politicians and allies |
| Legal challenges | ACLU and ACLU of Utah prevented officials in St. George, Utah, from prohibiting drag performances; judges blocked enforcement of bans targeting trans youth in Alabama and Florida |
| Bills passed | Arkansas "bathroom bills"; Texas criminalizing gender-affirming health care |
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What You'll Learn
Fighting for transgender equality in sports
Transgender people face discrimination in many areas of life, including sports. In 2024, there was a doubling down of efforts to limit transgender inclusion in sports, with a wave of national anti-trans bills in the US. These bills are part of a cruel effort by anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups to stigmatize and discriminate against transgender people.
There is a lot of misinformation about the inclusion of transgender people in sports, with some arguing that transgender girls will have an inherent physical advantage. However, this is based on incorrect assumptions and inaccurate stereotypes. Firstly, not all transgender girls are taller or stronger than other girls, and secondly, boys are not inherently more competitive than girls. In reality, transgender students' participation in sports has been a non-issue, with many states, athletic organizations, and governing bodies successfully balancing fairness, inclusion, and access to play.
Trans athletes represent a tiny fraction of competitors, and their inclusion has not negatively affected women's sports. States like Minnesota and California, which have trans-inclusive policies, show that inclusion doesn't harm women's sports. In fact, inclusive policies strengthen sports, and trans inclusion in sports isn't new. It has been guided by thoughtful, evidence-based policies for decades.
To fight anti-trans laws in sports, organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have taken legal action. For example, the ACLU has successfully blocked enforcement of bans targeting trans youth in Alabama and Florida, and secured agreements to preserve the legality of gender-affirming care in other states. The HRC is also working to prevent anti-trans bills from becoming laws, providing testimony in state legislatures and joining community partners in legal challenges.
It's important to stand against anti-trans laws in sports and continue the fight for transgender equality. This can be done by supporting organizations like the ACLU and HRC, spreading awareness about the facts surrounding transgender inclusion in sports, and advocating for inclusive policies at the state and national levels. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for transgender people in sports.
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Challenging anti-trans healthcare laws
In recent years, there has been a surge in anti-trans legislation across the United States, with a particular focus on restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals. This trend represents a coordinated attack on the transgender community, and it is crucial to understand the strategies employed to challenge these discriminatory laws.
One key strategy is to utilise the court system to challenge anti-trans healthcare laws. In several states, lawsuits have been filed challenging the constitutionality of bans on gender-affirming care. For example, in Arkansas, a federal judge blocked the state's ban on transgender healthcare in 2023, ruling it unconstitutional. Similarly, judges in Alabama and Florida have also blocked enforcement of similar bans, with Florida's judge declaring, "gender identity is real." These legal challenges argue that anti-trans healthcare laws violate the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs.
In addition to legal challenges, advocacy organisations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) are actively working to prevent anti-trans bills from becoming law. They are doing this by providing testimony in state legislatures, raising awareness about the harm caused by these bills, and partnering with local organisations to ensure equality for transgender individuals across all states.
Furthermore, some states have enacted "shield laws" to protect patients and healthcare providers from penalties associated with obtaining or providing gender-affirming care. These laws ensure that even in states with bans, individuals can still legally access this care. At least 18 states and Washington, D.C., have implemented such protections, often through legislation or executive orders.
Another strategy is to provide resources and support for transgender individuals and their families. This includes maintaining interactive maps that show the impact of bans nationwide and providing lists of affirming books to counter attempts to censor LGBTQ+ content in schools. Additionally, raising awareness about the benefits of gender-affirming care and providing factual information to combat misinformation about transgender healthcare is crucial.
By employing these strategies, advocates are challenging anti-trans healthcare laws and working towards ensuring equal access to healthcare for transgender individuals across the United States. It is important to continue this fight to protect the rights, wellbeing, and lives of transgender people.
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Supporting mutual aid projects
One of the largest trans-led mutual aid networks in the US, Point of Pride, has raised millions for trans mutual aid through its annual TikTok fundraisers. The organization funds gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapy, hair removal, clothing, and more. In 2024, Point of Pride reported giving $163,000 to 117 trans people through their HRT Access Fund alone.
Based in Pensacola, Florida, STRIVE provides moral and material support to trans people in the form of emergency housing, hormone therapy, food support, transportation, and other survival items.
The Iowa Mutual Aid Network, which includes the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, distributes direct aid to marginalized people in need. The Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund provides funds for low-income trans people to access hormones and other gender-affirming healthcare.
The Trans Empowerment Project is a community aid group that focuses its efforts on disabled queer and trans people of color. The group's programs include the Inmate Advocacy Project, which advocates for and cares for incarcerated LGBTQ+ people; the Trans Employment Project, which helps trans people find safe workplaces; and inTransitions, a direct aid fund providing HRT assistance, clothing, and emergency food and transportation.
Other mutual aid projects include the Tender Fruits Collective, which sends out monthly care packages, and the Kentucky Health Justice Network, which works through direct support, education, and outreach.
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Joining virtual protests
Finding Virtual Protests
Firstly, you'll need to find virtual protests to join. A good starting point is to look for online communities dedicated to the cause that interests you. For instance, you could search for "virtual protests" or "online activism" plus a keyword related to the issue you're passionate about, such as "trans rights". Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit are great tools for discovering virtual protests. Hashtags, in particular, can help you find like-minded individuals and organizations planning or participating in virtual protests.
Joining Online Communities
Joining online communities, groups, or forums focused on the cause is a great way to stay informed about upcoming virtual protests. These communities are often active in sharing information and can provide details on how to get involved. You can also reach out to organizers or experienced activists within these groups for guidance on participating effectively.
Spreading Awareness
Once you've found a virtual protest that aligns with your values, use your online platforms to spread awareness. Share details of the protest with your network and encourage others to join. Utilize hashtags, repost or retweet content, and engage in discussions to amplify the message and reach a wider audience.
Participating in Online Actions
Virtual protests often involve online actions that can be done remotely. These actions may include:
- Email campaigns: Sending emails to decision-makers or targeted organizations to express your support or opposition to specific policies or laws.
- Social media campaigns: Participating in coordinated social media actions, such as tweet storms or Instagram campaigns, to trend specific hashtags or spread awareness about an issue.
- Online petitions: Signing and sharing online petitions to gather support for a particular cause or demand.
- Website takeovers: Working with organizers to temporarily take over websites or online platforms to display protest messages or content.
- Virtual rallies: Attending online rallies or webinars where speakers, activists, and participants gather to share information and show solidarity.
Engaging in Direct Action
If you're interested in more direct forms of action, look for opportunities to get involved beyond the virtual protest itself. This could include:
- Attending online meetings or strategy sessions to plan future protests or campaigns.
- Contributing your skills, such as graphic design or writing, to create protest materials or content.
- Helping to moderate or manage online communities or forums related to the cause.
- Collaborating with other activists to develop long-term strategies for change.
Remember, virtual protests are a powerful way to make your voice heard and contribute to a collective effort for change. By participating actively and engaging with others, you can make a meaningful impact even if you're unable to attend in-person events.
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Boycotting states with anti-trans laws
However, there are also concerns about the effectiveness of boycotts and the potential harm they could cause to marginalized communities within the boycotted states. Activist Stacey Abrams has cautioned that while boycotts can be effective, they often hurt the most marginalized people. Additionally, some individuals have expressed that boycotting may not be the most effective strategy, as it does not directly target the legislators responsible for these laws. Instead, they suggest that working to get these legislators voted out and changing people's minds through education and advocacy may be more productive.
Despite these concerns, as the number of anti-trans bills continues to grow, activists predict that calls for boycotts will also increase. Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, has stated that states will start to see economic impacts, such as canceled sporting events and businesses choosing not to operate in their states.
Some states have already faced economic backlash due to their anti-trans laws. For instance, in Alabama and Florida, judges have blocked enforcement of bans targeting trans youth, with businesses and organizations taking a stand against discriminatory legislation.
While boycotting can be a powerful tool, it should be carefully considered in conjunction with other strategies to ensure the most effective approach to fighting anti-trans laws and protecting the rights and well-being of transgender individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to fight anti-trans laws:
- Donate to local groups that help trans people.
- Funnel money towards mutual aid projects that provide direct relief to trans people.
- Join or support groups like Equality Florida that are holding virtual days of action and virtual protests.
- Support lawsuits and legal challenges against anti-trans laws, such as those brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Lambda Legal.
Some examples of successful challenges to anti-trans laws include:
- In Alabama and Florida, judges blocked enforcement of bans targeting trans youth, with a Florida judge declaring that "gender identity is real."
- In Oklahoma, a binding non-enforcement agreement was secured with the state's attorney general, preserving the legality of gender-affirming care.
- Lambda Legal and its sister organizations have blocked enforcement of discriminatory laws in Texas, Arkansas, and Alabama.
- In Missouri, a lawsuit by Lambda Legal resulted in the termination of an anti-transgender emergency rule by the state's attorney general.
Some examples of anti-trans laws being proposed or passed include:
- Bills preventing transgender students from participating in extracurricular school sports teams that align with their gender identity.
- Laws restricting access to gender-affirming medical care for transgender people, such as in Tennessee and Texas.
- "Bathroom bills" that bar trans people from using bathrooms that match their gender identity, such as in Arkansas.
- Laws making it harder for trans people to change their gender markers on IDs, such as a proposed law in Montana.
Some organizations fighting for transgender rights include:
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Lambda Legal
- HRC
- Equality Florida
