Amidst the onslaught of introduced bills and laws around the U.S.A. targeting Trans kids and threatening their families with criminal prosecution for helping them get puberty blockers (to temporarily slow their bodies’ puberty) or gender-affirming care, seeing this coordinated movement of Trans Refuge Bills seems like news worth celebrating and sharing.
Announced in early May 2022, California Senator Scott Weiner is quoted in this Los Angeles Blade article, saying:
“Today, we’re proud to announce that over a third of the states in our country — 19 — are pushing back hard against the horrendous anti-trans legislation we’re seeing in Texas and elsewhere,” said Wiener. “Starting with our legislation in California, we are building a coordinated national legislative campaign by LGBTQ lawmakers — a rainbow wall — to provide refuge for trans kids and their families. We’re making it crystal clear: We won’t let trans kids be belittled, used as political pawns, separated from their families, or denied gender-affirming care. We won’t let their parents be criminalized or have their kids taken away. This first of its kind legislative effort sends a clear message both to our community and to those who are attacking our community: We’re all in this together and we’re ready to fight.”
The article also quotes Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute:
“When trans kids’ lives are on the line, playing defense doesn’t cut it. It’s time to play offense. We are using the collective power of LGBTQ state legislators all across the nation to launch a counter-offensive that aims to protect trans kids and parents while also demonstrating that there is a positive agenda for trans people that lawmakers can support. While LGBTQ elected officials will fight tooth and nail to get these passed in every state, now we need allies to step up to help us get it done. And even in states that have little chance of these bills advancing, the message it sends is still incredibly important: trans kids need to know they have leaders standing up and fighting for them.”
You can read the full article here:
It’s a relief to see some coordination here. We must fight for the rights of Trans kids and their families (because it’s the right thing to do, and history reminds us again and again that scapegoating attacks on one minority group is just the beginning, and if we don’t speak up for them, we — and all the other marginalized groups — could be next to lose our rights) — and it’s so nice to see that acknowledged by Queer elected officials all across the country!
Happy to share news that feels hopeful…
The light in me recognizes and acknowledges the light in you,
Lee
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