The following weekly digest is written and compiled by the Trans Formations Project, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to tracking and educating about the anti-trans legislative crisis currently sweeping the United States. You can follow their work and latest updates via Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, and Facebook.
Hello readers. It’s Friday, June 28, 2024. Happy Pride Month!
As a reminder, legislative sessions are different for each state — and you can keep track of your state’s legislative session here. Currently, bill progressions have slowed following the conclusion of legislative sessions in most states.
The Thing(s) We Won
A Michigan-based nonprofit called Stand With Trans has launched a program aimed at connecting trans youth with mental health providers. The nonprofit aims to address the mental health needs of trans youth, who are a critically underserved population. Trans youth under 24 can fill out an application to receive assistance connecting with a therapist with experience in gender-affirming care. The visits are virtual, and they are available in Michigan, Utah, Wyoming, the Bay Area in California, Florida, Ohio Indiana, and Tennessee.
On Tuesday, June 25, a Montana judge struck down MT SB458, a law restricting sex to the narrow binary categories of “male” and “female.” The bill, signed into law back in May of 2023 by Governor Greg Gianforte, came under strict scrutiny from both advocates and medical professionals for ignoring intersex people.
What the Heck Else Happened This Week?
- The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from the Biden Administration in L.W. v. Skremtti, challenging a federal appellate court’s decision to permit a previously-blocked Tennessee gender-affirming care ban. This case will likely determine the fate of other similar legal battles happening across the country. Arguments will begin in the fall.
- In the U.K., Labour Party leadership has agreed to a meeting with noted transphobe J.K Rowling after she expressed concerns about the party’s plans to “modernize” the process by which people can legally transition. These proposed changes include removing the requirement for spousal consent, as well as the requirement that individuals prove they have been living as their chosen gender for two years. The former requirement would be replaced with a “reflection period” of the same duration. Rowling has stated that she would only agree to a meeting if party leadership would also meet with other anti-trans groups operating within the U.K., including LGB Alliance.
New Bill Introductions
