Feeling overwhelmed and disheartened by the number of anti-trans bills introduced year after year? You’re not alone—the number of discriminatory bills in 2024 is adding up. Out of 531 bills that currently or that were once active this year, a total of 15 have passed. A single bill affects thousands of trans youth, and in some cases, adults. The topics of these bills range from prohibiting access to gender affirming care, sports participation, employment, to banning LGBTQIA+ education and books.

Here’s the good news: several of these bills can and will be stopped. A total of 87 bills across 41 states have failed this year already, according to a report from the Trans Legislation Tracker. Individuals and organizations alike are challenging these before (and after) they become law.

[Image Source: Instagram]

There have been major victories this year overturning bills and influencing legislators’ votes. Just this week, several civil rights law organizations acting on behalf of PFLAG, secured a temporary block on the latest anti-trans political attack from a court in Texas. This recent legal victory effectively halted the demand that “PFLAG National turn over information and documents about its support of families in Texas seeking gender-affirming medical care for their transgender youth,” an incredulous breach of of privacy (Source: Lamda Legal).

[Image Source: Twitter]

It’s comforting to know that so many organizations are fighting nationwide to put an end to these discriminatory legal endeavors. Moreover, we can’t overlook the efforts of transgender and trans-allied individuals who show up and protest for the removal of these bills.

One of the most notable instances took place in January of this year, where hundreds of protestors effectively shut down a bill that would allow for trans folks to be denied civil rights protections. One activist present at the hearing stated, “This is the kind of response we need to see with every anti-LGBTQ legislation.” (Source: Erin in the Morning) The gathering of local community against this Iowa bill proved to be impactful, urgent, and most importantly, successful.

These victories, no matter how small, are essential to witness and celebrate in our community. It demonstrates our progress, pride, and determination to fight for TGD equality. It tells our lawmakers that we refuse to give up.

Please see the following organizations for transgender legal support:

►Advocates for Transgender Equality (formerly the Transgender Legal & Education Defense Fund & National Center for Transgender Equality): https://a4te.org/

►LA LGBT Center Legal Services: https://legalservices.lalgbtcenter.org/

►Lamda Legal: https://lambdalegal.org/

►Human Rights Campaign: hrc.org

►Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/

If you or a loved one is seeking support with their gender identity, we ask you to fill out our contact form or call our office at (818) 855-1105. We are fully committed to supporting your gender wellness.