John,

Here’s the bad news: a historic number of anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in 2023. But there is great news: LGBTQ+ elected officials are fighting back – and creating safe havens for trans people across the U.S.

We wanted to take some time today to thank the leaders that have worked tirelessly to propose and pass legislation establishing trans refuge states. Add your name to say THANK you to these amazing elected officials (and more!) who are working tirelessly to defend trans rights!

Thanks to the industrious work of out LGBTQ+ Illinois state Reps. Kelly Cassidy, Greg Harris, and Samuel Yingling, Governor JB Pritzker signed a reproductive rights and gender affirming care bill into law, certifying Illinois as a trans refuge state. The bill guarantees the right to gender-affirming care!

America’s first out gay Governor, Jared Polis signed a sweeping health care bill in Colorado that protects trans rights, including gender-affirming care, and the right to choose. This bill effectively establishes Colorado as a safe-haven state for LGBTQ+ folks in the West.

Excellent news from Michigan: it became the 22nd state to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy! LGBTQ+ state Representative Jason Hoskins called the bill “one less thing that LGBTQ children will have to worry about going forward in Michigan.” Longtime LGBTQ+ state Senator Jeremy Moss led the charge to pass the bill in the Senate, ensuring the bill will head to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. She signed the bill into law!

Minnesota state Representative Leigh Finke wrote two pieces of legislation to protect trans rights. Thanks to the pro-equality legislative majority – which includes a record-number of LGBTQ+ elected officials! - the Minnesota state legislature recently passed a law protecting the right to gender affirming care. Governor Walz signed it!

Out LGBTQ+ state Senator Scott Wiener proposed the trans refuge state bill in California. Thanks to the handwork of Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and the LGBTQ+ legislators, this bill was the FIRST in the U.S. that designated a state as a trans refuge state.

Because of the work done by LGBTQ+ elected officials and allies, states like Minnesota, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland and New Mexico are leading the way for a safer and healthier future for LGBTQ+ folks. Add your name to tell these amazing elected officials THANK YOU!

Thank you for standing with us,

Elliot Imse
Pronouns: he|him|his
Executive Director, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute