Following the introduction of numerous anti-trans bills across the country, the measures are moving forward in some states and stalling in others — but the legislative session is still young.
From coast to coast, statehouses have put an unnecessary target on trans youth in different areas — from sports to bathrooms — as Republicans demonize trans youth for political gain.
In Kentucky, transphobic attacks by lawmakers have been met with emotional, eloquent testimony from trans youth. A GOP-led bid to ban trans girls from participating in sports in accordance with their gender identity advanced the Kentucky State Senate’s Education Committee on February 10, even after a 12-year-old trans girl, Fischer Wells, begged lawmakers to let her keep playing field hockey.
“I really don’t want this bill to pass because that means I can’t play,” Fischer told Education Committee members at a hearing. “And it will be extremely detrimental to my mental health, as well… It’s disgusting that this bill is even suggested. It’s terrible and I’ve worked really hard and practiced so many hours.”
