
Without comprehensive equal rights legislation at the federal level, LGBTQ+ people are subject to an inconsistent patchwork of legal protections in their states and local communities. This leaves millions of our most marginalized people at risk of potential discrimination at work and in their daily lives.
That’s why The Human Rights Campaign fights for LGBTQ+ equality alongside lawmakers at the local and state levels across the country. Find out what HRC is doing in Texas and how you can help secure equal rights for all of its LGBTQ+ citizens.
Tell state legislators to stop attacking the transgender community NOW! Your signature will send a message that we won’t back down when these lawmakers come for our community.
More than 500 anti-LGTBQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country, but just one state is responsible for more than 20% of them: Texas. In Austin, as the legislature hits the frantic pace of its final weeks, anti-LGBTQ+ legislators are pushing discriminatory bills like gender affirming care bans, drag show bans, sports bans and gender marker bans.
In Texas, HRC is tracking more than 220 bills, including
100+ bills HRC opposes because of the potential to harm LGBTQ+ Texans
70+ additional bills HRC is watching because they could turn into vehicles for harmful amendments
45+ bills that HRC supports
These anti-equality efforts are driven by a small group of special interest funders and extremist legislators — and do not reflect the opinions of the majority of Texans — but they will have a major impact on LGBTQ+ Texans and their families. The animus aimed at transgender Texans is particularly heart-wrenching, especially when coupled with the glee of the anti-trans forces behind these bills.
While the bills themselves would directly harm LGTBQ+ people and their families if passed, the environment created by the debate and discussion of these bills is already causing harm. And when you add last year’s declaration by the Attorney General that Gender Affirming Care is “child abuse,” and the subsequent order from the Governor for the State to investigate affirming families of transgender children, families are living in fear. Families with transgender children 18+ have become more vocal advocates on behalf of the families with younger children who are concerned about becoming targets of state investigations if they speak out.
HRC’s Trans Justice Initiative is partnering with Lyft to offer more than $20K in free Lyft rides for trans and non-binary communities. Rides will cover job opportunities, medical appointments and more. Individuals can request ride codes through our leading partners in Houston, TX: The Mahogany Project
HRC has communities all over the US, each with initiatives and events based on local priorities for LGBTQ rights and equality. See Texas’ communities below and discover how you can get involved.
Austin, Texas
Learn moreabout Austin Steering CommitteeHouston, Texas
Learn moreabout Houston Steering CommitteeSan Antonio, Texas
Learn moreabout San Antonio Steering CommitteeOpportunities for action vary from state to state, but our goal of equal rights for every LGBTQ+ person is the same everywhere. Check out these ways to volunteer in Texas.
If you are a reporter seeking up to the minute information about measures in this state, please email press@hrc.org and/or subscribe to our daily tipsheet.
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