HRC declares national LGBTQ+ state of emergency

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The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ individuals in the United States, citing the enactment of over 75 discriminatory laws in numerous states specifically targeting the LGBTQ community. This is the first such declaration in the organization’s 43-year history.

According to the HRC, a staggering 525 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in 41 states this year, with more than 220 of them explicitly aimed at transgender people. The organization’s count reveals that over 76 anti-LGBTQ bills have already become law this year, surpassing the previous record from last year, making it the most challenging year to date.

This year, groups have crisscrossed the country to testify in support of hateful and discriminatory anti-LGBTQ bills, including the American College of Pediatricians, American Principles Project, Gays Against Groomers, Independent Women’s Forum, and Moms for Liberty.

HRC President Kelley Robinson emphasized the tangible and danger- ous threats that millions in the LGBTQ community are facing. Robinson stated that these threats have resulted in actual violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, leading families to uproot their lives and seek refuge in more inclusive states. The alarming surge in homophobia and transphobia has put the safety of every LGBTQ individual at risk, Robinson said.

Wendy, a Texan mother of four, shared her experience in a press release by the HRC. She disclosed that the introduction of more than 50 anti-LGBTQ bills by Texas legislators this year compelled her to relocate her family, with plans to move to Minnesota. Wendy expressed the emotional toll of leaving behind their tight-knit family and Texas roots, which have been established for over a century.

The HRC, the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the nation, released a guidebook alongside the declaration. This guidebook provides LGBTQ individuals with essential health and safety resources, a summary of state-specific laws, and information about their rights when traveling to or residing in states with restrictive legislation.

The HRC also highlighted concerning statistics regarding transgender rights. They revealed that 21 states have implemented restrictions on transgender athletes, preventing them from competing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. This impacts approximately 30 percent of high schoolaged transgender youth in the country. Additionally, 20 states have passed laws or policies severely limiting or prohibiting gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors, and in some cases, even for adults. Consequently, nearly 31 percent of transgender individuals aged 13 to 17 now reside in states where they cannot access medically necessary care endorsed by major medical organizations.

Furthermore, in nine states, transgender people are denied the use of restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities that correspond to their gender identity, affecting around 15 percent of the transgender population in the United States.

More information about the state of emergency, go to hrc.im/emergency