A coalition of LGBTQ lawmakers, led by Senator Scott Wiener, LGBTQ Victory Institute, Equality California, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, has announced the national rollout of trans refuge state legislation in 19 US states. These laws aim to protect trans kids and their families from penalties when seeking gender-affirming care in the wake of recent executive and legislative action in states like Alabama and Texas.

The trans refuge bills are already introduced in California by Senator Scott Wiener, in New York by Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, and in Minnesota by Senator Scott Dibble. Twenty-one LGBTQ lawmakers representing 16 additional states committed publicly to introduce trans refuge state bills in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.

Playing offense: Protecting trans kids and families.

The lawmakers behind this coordinated national legislative campaign, dubbed the Rainbow Wall, are not content with defending against anti-trans legislation.

The coalition, with support from several advocacy organizations, including the LGBTQ Victory Institute, Equality California, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, has a clear message.

“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,” said Former Houston Mayor, Annise Parker (President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute).

Instead, they are using their collective power to launch a counter-offensive to protect trans kids and parents. They want to demonstrate that there is a positive agenda for trans people that lawmakers can support. “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 California State Senator Scott 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 to our community and those who are attacking our community: We’re all in this together, and we’re ready to fight.”

They want to demonstrate that there is a positive agenda for trans people that lawmakers can support. “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 California State Senator Scott 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.”

Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California, praised Senator Wiener, the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and the coalition’s partners at Planned Parenthood for standing with trans youth and their families in this fight. “Parents should not live in fear of being hunted down by the government for loving and supporting their child. As a native Texan, I’m ashamed of Governor Abbott’s hateful attacks against trans kids and their families. But as a Californian, I’m so proud of our state for serving as a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for those children and their parents,” he said. Jodi Hicks, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, expressed strong support for the protections put forth by Senator Wiener, saying, “Planned Parenthood health centers across California will always be open, for all who seek or need care. We strongly support these protections put forth by Senator Wiener.”

Several Rainbow Wall lawmakers have said the potential consequences of these laws are particularly dire for trans youth who may face severe harm, including increased risk of suicide, depression, anxiety, and other adverse health outcomes when denied access to appropriate and timely gender-affirming care.

The Legislation

The trans refuge state legislation will provide legal protections for trans kids, and their families in the Rainbow Wall states, shielding them from the harsh penalties that can be imposed in states like Alabama and Texas. The legislation aims to ensure that trans kids and their parents are not criminalized or penalized for seeking gender-affirming care or for expressing their gender identity.

The legislation builds on existing state laws that protect trans people but takes it further by offering refuge for trans kids and their families. The laws will also provide much-needed support for trans kids, who are among the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Rainbow Wall legislation is introduced in response to the alarming increase in anti-trans legislation in many states nationwide. In recent years, numerous states have passed laws that discriminate against trans people, including laws that restrict access to gender-affirming care, prohibit trans athletes from competing in sports, and even criminalize parents who support their trans children.

The Impact

The impact of these discriminatory laws on the trans community cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that trans people are already more likely to face discrimination, harassment, and violence compared to their cisgender peers. Discriminatory laws that restrict access to gender-affirming care or criminalize parents who support their trans children only add to this burden, striking at the child’s identity at a time when they are just figuring out the kind of person that they want to become and in doing so increasing the risk of harm and adverse health outcomes for trans people.

Trans youth are among the most vulnerable members of the trans community. Studies have shown that they are at increased risk of suicide, depression, and other adverse health outcomes when denied access to appropriate and timely gender-affirming care. Trans refuge state legislation will provide much-needed protection and support for these vulnerable young people, ensuring they have access to the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

The trans refuge state legislation will also send a powerful message to the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking to harm or discriminate against trans people. By coming together and pushing back against discriminatory laws, the LGBTQ+ community is demonstrating that they will not be silenced or marginalized and will fight for the rights and dignity of all community members.

Conclusion

The introduction of trans refuge state legislation in 19 states across the country represents a significant step forward in the fight for the rights and dignity of trans people. Led by LGBTQ Victory Institute, Equality California, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and with support from LGBTQ lawmakers across the country, the legislation will provide legal protections for trans kids and their families, shielding them from the harsh penalties that can be imposed in states like Alabama and Texas.

The legislation is a powerful statement of support for the trans community and a powerful message to those who seek to harm or discriminate against trans people. It demonstrates that the LGBTQ+ community is coming together to fight for the rights and dignity of all community members and that they will not be silenced or marginalized.

As the fight for trans rights continues, allies must step up and support the trans community. By standing together and pushing back against discriminatory laws, we can ensure that trans kids and their families have the protection and support they need to live healthy and productive lives.