In the last year, we’ve seen a marked rise in anti-LGBTQ+ action in state and local governments. Many states are introducing legislation targeting trans youth, and local schools and libraries are being pressured into censoring LGBTQ+ history and stories. Visit pflag.org/protecttranskids to take action against anti-trans bills in your state today. Want to take action and not sure where to start? Please contact Patrick Cochran, Advocacy and Policy Engagement Senior Coordinator. Florida - Medicaid regulator says state coverage should not include gender-affirming care. Tom Wallace, the deputy secretary for Medicaid at the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, submitted a report that, contrary to the position of both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, claims there is no evidence that gender-affirming care is safe and effective for treating gender dysphoria. This does not immediately halt Medicaid coverage for gender affirming care– an official rulemaking procedure would be needed to make such a change to state policy. Indiana - Legislature overrides governor veto, enacting anti-trans sports ban. The law prohibits transgender girls from participating in sports that match their gender identity. Louisiana - Legislature excludes transgender women from newly-created Office of Women’s Health. Senate Bill 116 was passed unanimously in the state Senate and House of Representatives. The new office is intended to address women’s health disparities in the state, and includes an amendment that excludes transgender women from receiving services. Gov. Edwards declines to veto anti-trans sports ban, allowing it to become law. The bill, which bans trans athletes from competing on teams which align with their gender identity from elementary school through college, passed both houses of the legislature with veto-proof majorities. Governor John Bel Edwards is the first Democratic governor to decline to veto a trans athlete ban, which will now take effect on August 1st. Massachusetts - Veterans will soon be eligible for benefits denied during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Representative John Velis introduced an amendment to the state budget that enables veterans who were expelled from the armed forces due to their sexual orientation to receive the same state benefits as other veterans. It was approved unanimously by the state Senate. New York - “X” gender marker now available on state IDs. This is a result of the Gender Recognition Act passed by the New York state assembly in 2021. As of June 24, 2022, residents will be able to choose the “X” gender marker for driver licenses, learner permits, and ID cards. North Carolina - Senators consider “Don’t Say Gay” bill. House Bill 755 would prohibit teaching students about gender and sexuality in early elementary school and would require school employees to out LGBTQ+ students to their parents. Ohio - House Committee holds first hearing for “Don’t Say Gay” bill. House Bill 616 would prohibit schools from teaching about “devisive or inherently racist concepts,” which includes sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3. Teachers who violate the bill would be subject to investigation, and could be prevented from receiving credits needed to renew their teaching license. House of Representatives passes bill requiring medical verification if a student’s sex is called into question. House Bill 151 was amended to include the Save Women’s Sports Act, and stipulates that athletes whose sex is disputed must provide a physician’s statement confirming their sex based on reproductive anatomy, naturally produced hormone levels, and genetics. South Carolina - Governor signs anti-trans sports ban. House Bill 4608, also known as the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” prohibits transgender athletes from playing girls’ or women’s sports in public schools and colleges. Utah - Two families file lawsuit against anti-trans sports ban. They filed the lawsuit against the state of Utah in the Third Judicial District Court for Salt Lake City. The families say the law stigmatizes and discriminates against their children and requests that the court find the bill unconstitutional and block it from being enacted. | 
