As the political landscape continues to shift, the rights and protections of the LGBTQIA+ community are under attack. Republican legislators have introduced a record number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in Congress, and the impact of these laws will be felt across the country.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has tracked over 120 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills filed in just January, many of which target access to crucial healthcare for transgender people. This includes laws that bar state healthcare providers from recommending or administering puberty blockers, hormones, and gender-affirming surgeries to those under the age of 21.
The introduction of such laws, especially in states located in the South, will have a disproportionate impact on the Black trans community. The proposed "Millstone Act" in Oklahoma, which bans gender-affirming care and "gender transition procedure" coverage for trans adults under the age of 26, is a direct nod to Christian nationalist ideology and a dangerous step backwards for transgender rights.
It is crucial that we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and fight against these harmful laws that threaten their equality and dignity. The rise of anti-trans rhetoric should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to take action and protect the rights of those who are most vulnerable.
