Our new study, released today, finds that 53% of transgender youth ages 13 to 17 in the U.S.—approximately 382,800 young people—live in 29 states with laws or policies that restrict access to gender-affirming care, sports, bathrooms and facilities, or the use of gender-affirming pronouns in schools. In 2025 alone, 24 states enacted or expanded at least one type of restrictive legislation.

Our previous research estimates that 724,000 youth in the U.S. identify as transgender. Nearly 40%—or 285,300 teens—live in 17 states and Washington, D.C. with “shield laws” that protect access to gender-affirming care.

You’re invited to our 2026 Jazz Brunch on Sunday, February 8, in Los Angeles. Join us for a relaxing afternoon emceed by drag artist Karen Beaches, with live performances by the Kenneth Zayas Jazz Trio and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. Williams Institute Distinguished Senior Scholar Ilan Meyer will also share an update on our research and offer a look ahead at what’s next in LGBTQ law and policy.

We’re grateful to James Frost and Peter J. Cooper for generously hosting this event. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.

We hope to see you there. RSVP today!

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.