Friend –

The Wisconsin State Legislature just announced it will be holding three public committee hearings this Wednesday on bills that would ban transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming healthcare and prohibit trans students from playing on sports teams consistent with their authentic gender identity. All three hearings are scheduled to take place this Wednesday, October 4, at the Capitol Building in Madison. (Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703)

We all want to be respected and seen for who we are. Everyone should be able to participate in sports and access the healthcare they need, but these pieces of legislation would prevent trans youth from doing so on the basis of their gender. Even when these bills don't become law, their introduction alone has proven harmful. A 2022 survey found that 85% of trans and nonbinary youth report that facing ongoing political attacks has been detrimental to their mental health, according to the Trevor Project.

This Wednesday, we have an opportunity to speak out for trans youth and make sure they know they are valued, cared for, and loved. Please join us in Madison if you are able on Wednesday, and alert your networks. We want the capitol lawn, the rotunda, and these hearing rooms filled with folks sending the message that trans people belong.

If you aren't able to make it in person, our partners at Fair Wisconsin are collecting written testimony so that your voice can still be heard. Make sure to address your message to the entire committee and include your name, city, zip code, and a brief statement describing your opposition to the bill. Then, you can email it to [email protected], and they will make sure it is included in the record.

We hope to see you there,

Dr. Melinda Brennan
Pronouns: She, her, ella
Executive Director, ACLU of Wisconsin