Dear John,

It’s been a busy few days at the General Assembly, and we’re here to give you an update on where bills are and what we’ve been doing to stop them.

Yesterday (Monday), Equality Virginia joined dozens of advocates at hearings for four anti-trans bills - HB 1387 (Greenhalgh; trans athlete ban), HB 1399 (March; trans athlete ban), HB 1707 (Durant; forced outing), and HB 2432 (LaRock; forced outing). Over 25 community members gave powerful testimony opposing these harmful bills. There is beauty in all of the personal stories that were told yesterday and we want to thank everyone who showed up to share messages of trans joy!

 

Unfortunately, the Higher Education and K-12 subcommittees voted to move HB 1387 and HB 2432 forward. These bills will receive their final committee vote tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM when the full House Education Committee meets. Although the committee won’t take any new testimony for these bills, there are still several ways for you to take action!

Before the committee meets:

  • Email the House Education Committee and let them know you oppose HB 1387 and HB 2432 - click here to send your message.
  • Text VA to 472-472 to call a House Committee Member and tell them to vote NO on the anti-trans bills. After you text that number, you'll receive a phone call with further instructions on how to take action!
  • Leave written comments opposing the bills by visiting this page - House of Delegates Speak.

Additionally, if you're in or near Richmond and interested in showing your visible opposition to these bills in person, the meeting will start at 8:00 AM and will be held in the House Committee Room in the Pocahontas building (900 E. Main Street). As we did on Monday, we want to pack the room and show support for transgender and nonbinary youth in Virginia. Afterwards, we’ll be grabbing some waffles, centering self-care and joy, and sharing space with our powerful community. You’re welcome to join us after the hearing!

We acknowledge that these bills are moving quickly, which can be overwhelming and stressful for those who are directly impacted or have loved ones who are. Please keep checking in with yourself, and take breaks as you need. We’re all in this fight together, and we appreciate your dedication to protecting transgender and nonbinary youth.

 

In solidarity,

Narissa Rahaman (she/her)

Executive Director

Written Comment Guidance:

  • Keep it personal: How do you feel about the bill and why do you oppose it? Why do you support transgender youth? What message would the passage of this bill say about our home state? 
  • Keep it values-based: Try not to get overly technical about the bill or purport to be an expert on the specific policy. Legislators respond to your values, so share them.
  • Make clear your position and ask: Begin and end your statement by urging the committee to vote NO on the bill.
 
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