#AM_Equality: April 7, 2021

by HRC Staff

#AM_Equality: Arkansas passes unprecedented anti-trans medical bill; HRC launches Count Me In campaign

ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE OVERRIDES GOVERNOR VETO; PASSES UNPRECEDENTED ANTI-TRANS MEDICAL BILL: “Despite opposition from even their own anti-LGBTQ governor, Arkansas legislators have denied transgender children access to medically-necessary and age-appropriate health care,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “This is the first law of its kind anywhere in the country, and it is immeasurably cruel to the transgender children who already suffer from higher risks of anxiety, depression, body dysphoria, and suicidal ideation and for whom those risks will only increase without medical care. The Human Rights Campaign condemns this action by the Arkansas legislature and will use every tool at our disposal to fight against this law and for the rights all transgender youth and their families.” More from KHBS, VICE, and HRC.

ATHLETIC EQUALITY INDEX HIGHLIGHTS DIVISION I LGBTQ POLICIES: The 2020 Athlete Equality Index was released Monday and revealed that a staggering 92% of Division I schools do not have fully inclusive policies for transgender athletes. More from Associated Press and HRC.

HRC LAUNCHES COUNT ME IN CAMPAIGN: This campaign aims to fight for the rights and visibility of transgender and non-binary folks. HRC has provided a comprehensive list of resources and ways to take action. More from HRC.

HRC SAN FRANCISCO STORE TO CLOSE: After 16 wonderful years in San Francisco’s Castro District, HRC will close its clothing and apparel shop in mid-April due to lease issues with the landlord. The HRC store located in Provincetown, M.A. will remain open. More from San Francisco Chronicle.

ANTI-LGBTQ GROUPS ARE BACKING VOTER SUPPRESSION EFFORTS: More from them.

📍 IN THE STATES

NORTH CAROLINA BILL WOULD BAN TREATMENT FOR TRANS PEOPLE UNDER AGE 21: SB514 would both compel state employees to immediately notify parents in writing if their child displays “gender nonconformity” or expresses a desire to be treated in a way that is not consistent with the gender they were assigned at birth. Additionally, the bill would impose a fine of $1,000 and revocation of the licensure for medical professionals that provide gender-affirming care. More from Associated Press.

🌍 GLOBAL EQUALITY

CRIMES AGAINST LGBTQ MIGRANTS AND SEX WORKERS IN VENEZUELA: The latest installment of an investigative series delves into the stories of hope, courage and survival from LGBTQ migrants in Central America. More from Out.

📺 GET CULTURED

HOW KEHLANI CARVED A PATH AS A QUEER MUSICIAN AND MOM: Kehlani (@Kehlani) discusses stardom, gender and the amazing Black trans women who inspire her. More from Advocate.

Fight anti-trans legislation

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