John:
Last month, we announced that LGBTQ elected officials around the country are working to create safe-havens for trans kids and their families. And after the horrific draft opinion from the Supreme Court that would effectively dismantle Roe v. Wade, these same leaders are now working to ensure reproductive rights are protected.
We wanted to share some updates on how these bills are progressing -- and it's exciting news! In Connecticut, LGBTQ leaders and allies successfully passed legislation to protect people seeking gender-affirming healthcare services and abortion. LGBTQ leaders in Delaware are working to introduce their own legislation protecting trans kids, adding a new state to the growing list! And over the weekend, the New York legislature passed the Lorena Borjas transgender and gender non-binary wellness and equity fund!
And in Massachusetts - which I'm so proud to share is my home state - the state Senate just passed a bill that provides new protections for those seeking reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare. In his floor speech, out LGBTQ state Senator Julian Cyr celebrated the bill, saying:
To transgender people, transgender youth, your parents and your health care providers: we are with you. We see you. You are part of our families. We are proud to have you as part of our families, our schools, our houses of worship, our communities.
Ensuring these elected officials have the support to fight back against bigotry and pass pro-LGBTQ bills such as these is a core aspect of Victory Institute's mission. We're honored to stand with them as they ensure LGBTQ kids and adults can thrive. Help power this essential work with a special Pride Month donation today!
Thanks for standing with us,
Sarah LeDonne
Pronouns: she|her|hers
Senior Communications & Marketing Manager, LGBTQ Victory Institute
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From: Elliot Imse
Sent: Tuesday, May 3, 2022 3:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Add your name: protect trans kids and their parents!
You've seen the headlines: states like Alabama, Idaho, Texas and are criminalizing trans kids and their parents for seeking lifesaving health care and rolling back LGBTQ rights across the country. It's disgusting.
But LGBTQ Victory Institute and our LGBTQ elected officials are fighting back. Today, California state Senator Scott Wiener announced a pro-trans bill that will officially make California a refuge state and shield trans kids and their families from civil and criminal penalties imposed by anti-trans health care bans. And in New York, state Assemblymember Harry Bronson and state Senator Brad Hoylman have introduced their own bill!
We're working closely with our partners to support a national LGBTQ elected official-led movement to introduce pro-trans legislation across the country. And our work is already paying off: LGBTQ elected officials in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia will introduced similar bills defending trans kids and preserving LGBTQ rights!
We must ensure these leaders have the support they need to pass these bills. Pitch in today to keep our essential work going!
Our growing movement will ensure trans kids aren't targeted for their identity and their parents aren't treated as criminals. Studies have shown that access to gender-affirming care for trans kids reduces risk for depression, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation. These bills ensure we can protecting the most vulnerable in the LGBTQ community.
This is just the start - but we won't stop until the horrific bigoted bills are repealed and trans kids are safe. Please consider making a donation to help us keep fighting.
Thanks for stepping up,
Elliot Imse
Pronouns: he|him|his
Executive Director, LGBTQ Victory Institute
