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What’s at Stake for U.S. Trans Rights in 2023

Making sense of the rising legislative attacks on the trans community.

Pocket Editors

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2023 has already set a grim record for attacks on transgender rights. As of March 27, state lawmakers in the US have introduced at least 430 anti-LGBTQ laws—which is more than in the past five years combined.

Many of the proposed bills specifically target the trans community. From the ability to engage in youth athletics to accessing healthcare to using the bathroom of one’s choosing, all aspects of trans life are currently under attack.

In this collection, we dive into the mounting assault on trans rights, explore their origins, and hear from experts on what it all means.

Image by Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images

Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislature

In the last few years states have advanced a record number of bills that attack LGBTQ rights, especially transgender youth. The ACLU is tracking these attacks and working with our national network of affiliates to support LGBTQ people everywhere.

Inside the Secret Working Group That Helped Push Anti-Trans Laws Across the Country

Leaked emails give a glimpse of the religious-right networks behind transgender health care bans.

Trans Youth in Florida Can No Longer Start Gender-Affirming Care, Pushing Families Toward Difficult Decisions

A Florida board of medicine rule barring gender-affirming care for minors who have not yet begun treatment is in effect. A legal challenge is expected.

Supreme Court Asked To Allow West Virginia’s Transgender Athlete Ban

The case involves a 12-year-old transgender girl who is taking puberty blockers and wants to stay on the girls’ track and cross-country teams at her middle school.

The GOP’s Coordinated National Campaign Against Trans Rights, Explained

Republicans are unleashing a torrent of anti-trans bills at the state level ahead of 2024.

Masha Gessen on the Battle Over Trans Rights [LISTEN]

Many culture-war politicians are attacking the rights of trans people, and making a regressive view of gender as biology the key to their platforms.

Minnesota Governor Says His State Is National Model for Transgender Rights

"Our trans neighbors, our children are feeling the pressure. We see states that are using state power as an apparatus of cruelty, quite honestly."

Wyoming Governor Calls Trans Athlete Ban Bill ‘Draconian’ and Then Allows It To Pass

The law, which takes effect July 1, is among dozens of Republican proposals pushing back against transgender rights in statehouses across the U.S.

In Wake of Florida Law, Additional States Seek To Restrict Certain LGBTQ Discussions in Schools

Bills similar to Florida's controversial legislation that bans certain instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools are being considered in at least 15 states, data compiled by the American Civil Liberties Union and reviewed by CNN shows.

RuPaul, the B-52’s, and More Speak Out in Defense of LGBTQIA+ Rights

Amid Tennessee’s drag ban and CPAC.

Trans People Face Hostile Rhetoric From State Lawmakers

The Human Rights Campaign says at least 150 bills targeting transgender people have been introduced this year.

Biden Says Efforts To Restrict Transgender Rights ‘Close to Sinful’

President Joe Biden called efforts to restrict transgender rights in Florida "close to sinful" in an interview released Monday, suggesting federal laws should be passed to protect those rights in all states.

Essential Next Steps: Where to Donate to Support the U.S. Trans Community

Discover 15 non-profit organizations built to support the trans community through public policy and education, financial help, and healthcare resources.

And Now, Celebrate Trans Joy With Jazz Jennings, Skyler Jay, and More

Discover all matters of wonder, delight, and comfort—from a wig-reviewing baby to the OpenAI sandbox to roller coaster YouTube.