Category: LGBTQIA

Kansas City declares itself a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ people

This blog originally appeared at WFAA.

Kansas City’s new sanctuary status sets it apart as a Democratic-leaning city in a state with a Republican governor and GOP-controlled Legislature.

In a bold move, officials in Kansas City, Missouri, have passed a resolution declaring the city a sanctuary for individuals seeking or providing gender-affirming care, despite a recent state-level ban on such care for minors. The 12 to 1 vote demonstrates the city’s commitment to being an inclusive and safe haven for the transgender and LGBTQ+ community, setting it apart from the state’s Republican-led government.

Similar actions have been taken in other cities across the country where there is opposition to state-level restrictions on transgender rights. This sanctuary status aligns Kansas City with places like Austin, Texas, that have taken a stand against legislation limiting transgender healthcare options.

Governor Mike Parson, a Republican, is expected to sign the ban on gender-affirming care into law, making Missouri one of over 16 states to enact similar restrictions or bans for minors. Meanwhile, a judge is currently reviewing a proposed emergency rule from the state’s Attorney General, which would impose additional requirements and a lengthy therapy process before individuals can access gender-affirming treatments.

Credit: AP

Supporters of a resolution that would make Kansas City, Mo, a sanctuary city for transgender people celebrate outside of city council chambers.

The recently passed resolution ensures that Kansas City will not prosecute or penalize anyone seeking, providing, or receiving gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormones, or surgeries. Moreover, if the state enacts laws or resolutions imposing punishments or fines, city personnel have committed to making enforcement of such requirements their lowest priority.

Opponents of gender-affirming care, typically Republican lawmakers, argue that they are safeguarding children from decisions they may later regret. However, gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the United States for more than a decade and is supported by major medical associations.

Kansas City’s sanctuary status represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights and healthcare options of transgender individuals. By openly defying state legislation and providing a safe haven for gender-affirming care, the city is sending a powerful message of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The outcome of this resolution and ongoing legal battles will have broader implications for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals across the state of Missouri and potentially influence the national conversation on transgender healthcare rights.

“This is an important first step in Kansas City’s commitment to trans and nonbinary people,” Merrique Jenson, founder of Transformations KC, said in a written statement after the vote. “I look forward to trans leaders and Kansas City working together to address the health disparities in our communities and ways we can have sustainable funding & programming reaching all trans people.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Austin doctors who treated trans kids leaving Dell Children’s clinic after AG Paxton announces investigation

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

Attorney General Ken Paxton previously announced an investigation into “potentially illegal” activity. Parents are scrambling to find transition-related care for their kids as the Legislature appears poised to ban it altogether.


Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin has faced backlash and controversy as it halted the provision of transition-related care to transgender teenagers. Concerned parents were informed that they would have to search for new healthcare providers after the physicians who previously staffed the clinic decided to depart. This decision coincided with Attorney General Ken Paxton’s announcement of an investigation into potential illegal activity at the medical center, following a video report from the controversial far-right activist group Project Veritas, known for its deceptive practices in conducting hidden camera-style investigations. The situation highlights the tense landscape surrounding transgender healthcare and the intersection of political pressure, medical decision-making, and the rights of transgender individuals.

People line the railing on all three levels of the outdoor rotunda of the Texas Capitol in Austin, waving signs during the “Fight for our Lives” rally in opposition of bills affecting LGBTQ people in March. Credit: Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

In a recent video that has sparked controversy, a social worker from Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin allegedly claimed that the hospital provided gender-affirming treatments to patients as young as eight or nine years old, sometimes after just one consultation. In response to the video, the medical center released a statement clarifying that they do not offer hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery to children, and they are actively investigating the allegations.

The timing of this investigation coincides with the Texas Legislature’s consideration of a bill that could prohibit transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy. If Senate Bill 14 becomes law, those already receiving such treatments would be required to discontinue them, which many transgender individuals and their parents argue is a form of forced detransitioning. The proposed ban, scheduled to take effect on September 1, has sparked intense debate regarding the rights of transgender youth in Texas.

Gender-affirming care encompasses a wide range of treatments aimed at addressing gender dysphoria, a condition where an individual’s gender identity does not align with the sex assigned at birth. This care can include social transitioning, such as using different pronouns or adopting a different style of dress, as well as medical interventions such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures. It’s important to note that surgeries are rarely performed on transgender minors, particularly those involving sex organs.

The allegations against Dell Children’s Medical Center have ignited a broader conversation about the availability and appropriateness of gender-affirming care for young transgender individuals. Advocates argue that such treatments are crucial in supporting the mental health and well-being of transgender youth, as they alleviate gender dysphoria and help individuals live authentically. On the other hand, opponents claim that these treatments can have long-term consequences and argue that decisions regarding medical interventions should be delayed until individuals reach adulthood.

The controversy surrounding Dell Children’s underscores the broader challenges faced by the transgender community in accessing adequate healthcare. Transgender individuals often encounter significant barriers to receiving gender-affirming care, ranging from limited insurance coverage to discriminatory practices and biased healthcare providers. These challenges can have severe implications for the mental and physical health of transgender individuals, reinforcing the urgent need for inclusive and affirming healthcare systems.

As the investigation into Dell Children’s Medical Center unfolds, the outcome will likely have implications not only for the hospital but also for the broader landscape of transgender healthcare in Texas. The debate surrounding the proposed ban on gender-affirming treatments for trans minors highlights the ongoing clash between those advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals and those seeking to restrict access to such care based on ideological or moral beliefs.

In conclusion, the video allegations against Dell Children’s Medical Center have sparked an investigation and reignited the contentious discussion surrounding gender-affirming care for transgender youth. As the debate unfolds, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and rights of transgender individuals while considering the medical and ethical complexities of providing such care to minors. Ultimately, the outcome of this investigation and the fate of the proposed ban will shape the landscape of transgender healthcare in Texas and potentially influence the lives of countless transgender youth seeking support and acceptance.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

DeSantis signs bill to defund DEI programs at Florida public colleges – CNNPolitics

This blog originally appeared at CNN Politics.

(CNN)Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation to defund diversity, equity and inclusion programs at all state universities, which he called a “distraction from the core mission.”

“This is better viewed as standing for discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination, and that has no place in our public institutions,” DeSantis said at a news conference in Sarasota.

“If you want to do things like gender ideology, go to (the University of California) Berkeley,” DeSantis added. “There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but for us with our tax dollars, we want to focus on the classical mission of what a university is supposed to be.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation to defund diversity, equity and inclusion programs at all state universities, which he called a “distraction from the core mission.”

Under the law, Florida state universities are barred from spending state or federal funds to promote, support or maintain any programs that “advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in political or social activism.”

“What this does is reorient our universities back to their traditional mission and part of that traditional mission is to treat people as individuals, not to try to divvy them up based on any type of superficial characteristics,” DeSantis said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Texas Legislature Bans Transgender Medical Care for Children

This blog originally appeared at The New York Times.

Despite facing strong opposition from Democrats and drawing loud protests at the Capitol this month, the Texas Legislature made a decisive move on Wednesday by voting to approve a controversial bill that effectively bans hormone and puberty blocking treatments, as well as surgeries, for transgender children. If the bill is signed into law, Texas will mark a significant milestone as the largest state to prohibit transition medical care for minors.

The final version of the bill includes a limited exemption for transgender children who were already receiving medical treatment prior to the bill’s passage. However, these individuals would still be required to gradually “wean” themselves off the medications over an unspecified period of time, adding an additional layer of complexity and uncertainty to their healthcare journey.

The scope of the legislation extends beyond prohibiting medical procedures. It would also prevent doctors from performing mastectomies or surgeries that may result in sterilization, remove healthy tissue or body parts, or prescribing medications that could induce temporary or permanent infertility in transgender youth. The bill now awaits its fate as it heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

This bill is just one among several proposals being considered by the Republican-dominated Legislature this year, as they attempt to regulate various aspects of the lives of transgender individuals. In another move, the State House recently advanced a separate measure that would require athletes in public colleges to compete based on the sex listed on their birth certificate at the time of their birth, further adding to the mounting challenges faced by transgender athletes.

Representative Dade Phelan took the final vote for Senate Bill 14 in the Texas House in Austin on Friday.Credit…Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman, via Associated Press

The passage of these bills reflects an ongoing ideological battle surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, as conservative lawmakers continue to champion legislation that targets transgender individuals. The resulting implications for the transgender community in Texas are significant, raising concerns about access to essential medical care, bodily autonomy, and the overall well-being of transgender youth.

As the nation closely watches the fate of these bills, their impact extends beyond the borders of Texas, potentially setting a precedent and influencing discussions around transgender rights and healthcare for minors across the country.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Houston’s only lesbian bar denied insurance for hosting drag shows

This blog originally appeared at CHRON.

Julie Mabry, owner of Pearl Bar in Houston, warned that insurers are “adding drag in as a risk factor.”

Julie Mabry remembers walking with her sister into the Bonham Exchange, San Antonio’s iconic queer bar, for the first time in 1989. “I just saw a completely different person. She was just happy, she was in a great mood,” Mabry said. 

Mabry had watched her sister struggle for years before that night: “From a very young age, my sister’s identity was more like a boy,” Mabry explained. “And we didn’t have these terms, we didn’t have this knowledge when we were kids. It’s just how she was born.” 

After watching her fight through years of isolation and addiction, Mabry says the memory of her sister’s happiness that night in San Antonio inspired her to open Pearl Bar, the only remaining lesbian-specific bar in Houston.

Julie Mabry, owner of Pearl Bar, poses for a photograph at the bar Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Houston. The Human Rights Campaign awarded Pearl Bar, Houston’s only lesbian bar, funding to help preserve it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It became something I was obsessed with. The idea was to provide an environment for people like my sister so she could have something to do so she wasn’t [using drugs], or going through things where she hated herself, because people on the outside didn’t see her as normal. That was the purpose of Pearl Bar,” said Mabry. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Tampa Pride Event Canceled Over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws

This blog originally appeared at Huff Post.

Florida just enacted a slew of new restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.

Due to the recent enactment of several anti-LGBTQ+ bills by Governor Ron DeSantis, an LGBTQ+ pride event known as Tampa Pride on the River has been canceled. The event, which includes drag performances, will not take place in September as planned due to a new law in Florida that specifically targets drag shows visible to minors at public venues. This cancellation highlights the impact of the legislation on the LGBTQ+ community and their ability to express their identities freely.

“In the end, we didn’t want to take any chances,” West told the Tampa Bay Times on Thursday.

“Really, I’m sorry,” West told WFLA, an NBC affiliate.

The event usually draws around 20,000 people to downtown Tampa for food, drinks and entertainment in an area without any fencing, according to a St. Petersburg CBS affiliate.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ORIGINAL BLOG

Behind the scenes in 2000 when Supreme Court liberals thought Nazi references in gay rights dissent were distracting – CNN Politics

This blog originally appeared at CNN Politics.

In a historic gay rights case, Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens began drafting an impassioned dissent that likened the majority’s decision to Nazi persecution. In a private first draft of his opinion, Stevens made a thought-provoking connection, stating, “What is this but a constitutionally prescribed pink triangle?” The reference to the pink triangle, a symbol forcibly worn by gay prisoners during the Holocaust, aimed to highlight the discriminatory nature of the ruling.

However, the other liberal dissenting justices, including David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Stephen Breyer, expressed reservations about Stevens’ approach. In a series of personal memos, they cautioned that his strong emotions and comparison to Nazi persecution could potentially undermine the persuasive force of their legal arguments. They recognized the importance of presenting a solid legal foundation to support their dissenting views, emphasizing the need to convince their fellow justices and shape public opinion through reasoned analysis rather than inflammatory rhetoric.

Memo from Justice Stephen Breyer urging the removal of “pink triangle” references from a dissent.

While Stevens’ initial draft underscored the gravity of the case and the deep emotions it evoked, his colleagues’ concerns about maintaining a persuasive legal argument prevailed. Ultimately, the dissenting justices refined their opinions, focusing on the constitutional principles and precedents at stake, aiming to sway both the court and the public through reasoned discourse. This internal dialogue among the liberal justices serves as a testament to the complexity and strategic considerations involved in crafting dissenting opinions that can effectively shape the direction of legal discourse and influence societal perceptions of LGBTQ+ rights.

Were the Boy Scouts discriminating against gay people?

Back in 2000, the Boy Scouts controversy was one of the most contentious of the session. “This case is about the freedom of a voluntary association to choose its own leaders,” the Scouts’ lawyer told the justices during oral arguments. “Boy Scouting is so closely identified with traditional moral values that the phrase, he’s a real Boy Scout, has entered the language.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

The staggering fine print of Texas and Florida’s new anti-trans bills

This blog originally appeared at VOX.

Two sweeping bans on gender-affirming care for trans teens could have devastating implications.

Two of the largest conservative-leaning states, Texas and Florida, are on the verge of implementing new bans on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender children. In Texas, the legislature recently passed a bill prohibiting gender-affirming care, including hormone treatments and surgeries, for individuals under 18. While trans teens already undergoing hormone treatments will be allowed to continue temporarily, they are required to gradually cease the treatments. Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law. Similarly, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a similar ban that imposes felony penalties on healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care to minors. This law includes a provision concerning custody disputes for children receiving gender-affirming care, raising concerns that it may override rulings from other states.

These bans are part of a coordinated national campaign by the GOP to undermine LGBTQ rights within state legislatures. Florida has already passed more anti-LGBTQ legislation this session than it did in the past seven years, while Texas is on track to surpass its previous record with more than double the number of similarly restrictive laws. Cathryn Oakley, the State Legislative Director and Senior Counsel at the Human Rights Campaign, highlights the alarming trend.

The implementation of these bans could potentially uproot many families with transgender children in Texas and Florida, forcing them to consider relocating to more accepting environments. Removing access to gender-affirming care has profound and life-altering impacts on these families, as noted by Oakley. The well-being and safety of their children become paramount concerns. Families with the means to do so have been contemplating moving to states where their children can receive the necessary care and protection.

The consequences of these bans extend beyond immediate access to healthcare. The emotional toll on trans youth and their families is immense, as they face a hostile legislative landscape that disregards their identities and rights. These measures reflect a broader trend of conservative lawmakers prioritizing their political agendas over the well-being and lives of LGBTQ individuals. As these bans become enacted, trans families and their allies continue to advocate for inclusivity, understanding, and equal treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for education and awareness surrounding the experiences of transgender and non-binary communities.

Supporters of trans rights rally on the steps of the Texas Capitol ahead of an advocacy day of meetings with state representatives. Julia Robinson for The Washington Post via Getty Images

What’s in the Florida law

Advocates are challenging parts of the Florida law on an emergency basis in court, arguing that it violates parents’ fundamental rights to make medical decisions for their children and that it violates the Constitution by discriminating against transgender children. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ORIGINAL BLOG

Poll finds most voters agree that anti-LGBTQ bills are result of ‘political theater’

This blog originally appeared at TAI News.

Polling conducted by Data for Progress shows 72% of Democrats, 65% of independents and 55% of Republicans think there is too much legislation targeting LGBTQ rights.

Human Rights Campaign organized a rally and march on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson to the Governor’s Mansion to protest HB 1523 which was signed into law in April.

Read more: Poll finds most voters agree that anti-LGBTQ bills are result of ‘political theater’

A recent poll conducted by Data for Progress reveals that a majority of likely voters believe Republican lawmakers are going too far with legislation targeting civil rights for transgender and LGBTQ individuals. The poll shows that 64% of respondents, including a majority of Democrats, independents, and even Republicans, agree that the large number of bills (429 in total) targeting the rights of trans and gay people is excessive and seen as political theater. Additionally, the poll highlights that 11 states have already passed restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, while anti-trans legislation has been introduced in 47 states this year.

The poll conducted by Data for Progress also indicated that a clear majority of likely voters support pro-trans positions. About 57% of respondents agreed that transgender identities are a natural phenomenon throughout history and that it’s normal for individuals to identify outside traditional gender norms. Additionally, 69% of respondents believed that transgender adults should have the freedom to change their bodies as they wish.

While support for these statements was higher among Democrats and independents, even 55% of Republicans agreed that trans adults should be allowed to change their bodies. However, only 34% of Republicans believed that trans identities are natural.

The poll also highlighted a need for better understanding of trans issues among the public. Respondents significantly overestimated the percentage of trans and nonbinary individuals in the U.S., with an average estimate of 21% compared to the actual 1.6%. Additionally, misconceptions persisted about regret in transition, with respondents guessing that 29% of those who transition later regret their decision, while the actual rate is only 1-8%.

Interestingly, the poll showed that personal connections played a role in shaping support for trans and nonbinary people. Knowing a trans or nonbinary person increased the likelihood of support for their rights and understanding their experiences.

The poll was conducted through a web panel survey of 1,220 likely voters across the U.S. and took place from March 24 to March 26. It had a margin of error of ±3%. The results highlight the significant divide in public opinion regarding LGBTQ rights and the need for ongoing education and awareness efforts.

“Among those who do not know a trans or nonbinary person, 45 percent view them as a threat to children and 32 percent see them as a threat to heterosexual families,” the report’s authors wrote. “However, among those who do know a trans or nonbinary person, these figures drop to 27 percent and 16 percent, respectively.”

According to the poll, only 33% of respondents stated that they personally knew someone who identifies as trans or nonbinary, while 58% said they did not know anyone with those identities. Among Democrats, the number of respondents who knew someone who is trans or nonbinary was 36%, while it was 39% for independents and 25% for Republicans.

The report’s authors highlighted that 56% of likely Democratic voters agreed that the party could energize its base by taking a strong stance against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. However, 37% of likely Democratic voters believed that the party was already doing enough on LGBTQ+ rights.

The authors emphasized the importance of educating the American public about the experiences of trans and LGBTQ+ communities, suggesting that increased awareness and understanding could lead to greater support for efforts aimed at protecting their rights.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ORIGINAL POST

Texas bills affecting LGBTQ people: Here’s what you need to know | The Texas Tribune

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

Texas lawmakers this year are debating whether to block transgender kids’ access to transition-related health care, classify businesses that host drag shows as sexually oriented establishments and limit public school lessons on sexuality and gender identity.

BY WILLIAM MELHADO AND ALEX NGUYEN

Members of Austin’s LGBTQ community gather on the steps of the Texas Capitol in 2017 to celebrate the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots. Republican lawmakers are pushing bills that could upend the lives of LGBTQ people this year. Credit: Austin Price for The Texas Tribune

Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.

For mental health support for LGBTQ youth, call the Trevor Project’s 24/7 toll-free support line at 866-488-7386. For trans peer support, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.


In the current legislative session, Texas lawmakers are deliberating on multiple bills that could significantly impact the lives of gay and transgender individuals in the state. Republican legislators have introduced bills aiming to limit the teaching of sexuality and gender identity in schools, regulate drag performances, and restrict access to healthcare for transgender children.

These bills emerge within a larger context of conservative lawmakers capitalizing on the rise of Christian nationalism within right-wing circles. Some legislators are actively pursuing bills that they believe can establish a model for integrating Christianity into the public sphere, inspired by a growing acceptance of Christian nationalist ideals.

Tensions between LGBTQ Texans and GOP officials have intensified as the Texas legislature considers a series of bills that could have far-reaching implications for the LGBTQ community. Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation aiming to restrict the teaching of sexuality and gender identity in schools, regulate drag performances, and limit healthcare options for transgender children.

Of particular concern this year is the focus on children and young adults. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made it a priority to pass measures that curtail discussions about LGBTQ individuals in schools, restrict transgender students’ participation in college sports teams, and control medical treatments for transgender youth. Governor Greg Abbott has also vowed to prohibit what he deems as “woke agendas” in schools. Several of these bills have already been passed in the Senate and now await consideration in the House before potentially reaching the governor’s desk.

LGBTQ activists and Democratic lawmakers have been engaged in a determined fight against these bills for months, arguing that they seek to suppress queer expression and infringe upon the rights of LGBTQ individuals.

The potential impact, even if only a few of these bills become law, is expected to be substantial. A report by the Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ youth suicide-prevention organization, highlights the negative consequences of such legislation. The report reveals that 71% of LGBTQ youth surveyed stated that debates over bills affecting their lives have a detrimental impact on their mental health, with 86% of transgender youth reporting negative mental health repercussions. This alarming data underscores the harm caused by legislation that targets the LGBTQ community.

As the battle over these bills continues, the rights and well-being of LGBTQ Texans hang in the balance. The outcome of these legislative efforts will have significant implications for the community’s inclusion, equality, and mental health.

“Texas has become one of the most dangerous and hostile places for transgender youth and transgender people and their families in America,”

Andrea Segovia, senior field and policy adviser of the Transgender Education Network of Texas, told reporters in February.

The clash comes at a time when 72% of Texans support anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, according to a 2021 survey from the Public Religion Research Institute.

Here are the legislative proposals:

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ORIGINAL POST

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑