Oklahoma transgender youth face multiple targeted bills this session

Contributing Writer

Oklahoma currently has 34 anti-LGBTQ bills being proposed regarding education, free speech, healthcare, and civil rights, more than any other state in the United States, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). With so many proposals to ban queer education, sexual health classes, care for transgender individuals and more, many are beginning to worry about the future for queer youths in Oklahoma.

Many of the bills being proposed in the Oklahoma House and Senate’s current session target transgender youths. One such bill filed by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, known as the “Milestone Act of 2023,” would prevent anyone under the age of 26 from accessing gender-affirming medical care. It would also make it a felony for healthcare administrators to administer or recommend gender affirming care. “Surgical and chemical genital mutilation has

“Do you know how it feels to constantly see in the news that people are debating over your human rights? That people want to create laws punishing people like you? That people find you disgusting? Just for being you? I bet those politicians don’t.” been occurring in our great state, and it must be stopped,” Bullard said. “We have a sacred duty to protect our children from those who wish to do them harm. Senate Bill 129 is designed to protect our children from those who want to benefit financially at their expense. Child abuse is a felony in our state and mutilating a young person’s genitalia should be viewed no differently. The Millstone Act will hold those who perform child mutilation accountable by making such activity a felony. Those guilty of such a heinous crime will be both legally and financially liable.”

-- Peyton, a BLGTQ+ activist

The bill would also block care beyond surgery, preventing puberty blockers and hormones. Exemptions would be provided for procedures relating to the treatment of a medically verifiable disorder of sex development, treatment of any infection or disorder that has been caused by or exacerbated by the performance of gender transition procedures, or to prevent danger of death or impairment of major bodily function.

Regardless, many argue the bill is simply anti-trans, considering it reaches a full eight years beyond the accepted threshold for adulthood. This could potentially mean that young adults who have already transitioned would be forced to “medically detransition,” blocking them from their own medical care.

“All I’ve ever wanted is to go to the store and not be scared for my life,” said Peyton, an activist who asked that their full name not be used.

“All I’ve ever wanted is to live my life without someone telling me it offends them. Do you know how it feels to constantly see in the news that people are debating over your human rights? That people want to create laws punishing people like you? That people find you disgusting? Just for being you? I bet those politicians don’t. And I sincerely hope they take the time to think about the effect those bills may have.”

Other bills, such as HB 1780, propose a prohibition on sex education classes, programs, tests, surveys, or questionnaires. HB 1011 would ban health care professionals from performing or attempting to perform gender transition procedures to anyone under the age of 21. These and other bills will be heard during the current legislative session, which will adjourn on May 26.