In Texas, the legislature is now in a special session in part to attempt to pass a “bathroom bill” which has become the pet project of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. This discriminatory and unnecessary piece of legislation would have a tremendous impact on the lives of trans Texans. And much like North Carolina’s HB2, the bill has faced strong opposition from business groups who see the obvious economic impact that discriminatory legislation might have on their bottom line. I hope any Texans among my follower list take a moment to contact their lawmakers about opposing this bill. Bathroom access is absolutely vital.
But let’s note that these bills are not just an issue in one state. Massachusetts will be facing a vote to roll-back protections for trans folks on the ballot in 2018 (a similar attempt failed to get on the ballot in WA), and there were anti-trans pieces of legislation introduced in states all around the country this year - including Minnesota. And while many of these laws, like the Federal HR 2796 proposal, may be more for show than substance, they send a clear message that trans folks identities and lives are still a matter of public debate.
As Chase Strangio put it so eloquently: “Anti-trans laws are not about restrooms, locker rooms, safety, or privacy but about expelling trans people from public life.”
Trans folks are here, and we’re not going away, but in this political climate we could use your help. Please join me in standing up against discriminatory legislation.