LGBTQ+ advocates and allies rallied at the Texas State Capitol in protest of more than 200 anti-LGBTQ bills filed this legislative session, an increase from 140 in 2023. The event, organized by the “All in for Equality” coalition, aimed to draw attention to legislation that could restrict or strip protections away from the LGBTQ+ community. At the same time, the Senate Committee on State Affairs discussed a bill to protect school employees who refer to students by their biological sex without repercussions.
Interim CEO of Equality Texas, Brad Pritchett, emphasized the importance of being true to oneself despite legislative challenges. Advocates expressed concerns about the negative impact of bills ranging from restricting transgender people’s access to bathrooms to preventing updates to legal documentation based on gender identity. Faith Northern, a therapist who identifies as queer, highlighted the effect such legislation could have on self-confidence and safety.
State Representative Gene Wu criticized the conservative push for such bills, highlighting their contradictory stance on government intervention. Advocates from organizations like the ACLU of Texas, Lambda, and the Human Rights Campaign joined the rally to fight for recognition, respect, and protection under the law for the LGBTQ+ community. Pritchett emphasized that these rights could be life-saving for some members of the community and vowed to continue the fight until they are achieved.
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