Breaking Down the Surge of Anti-Transgender Legislation in the US

Written by
Clayre Sessoms
Published on
07 March 2023
A person holds a sign that reads I was born this way.|Shot of the transgender flag blowing in the wind at street
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The ongoing wave of anti-transgender legislation sweeping across the United States has become a major cause for concern, with many activists and experts warning that such measures are harmful to transgender people and represent a major setback for LGBTQ+ rights. The Washington Post recently reported that dozens of anti-transgender bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country in recent years, with many seeking to restrict the rights of transgender people in areas such as healthcare, sports, and education.One of the most contentious areas of anti-transgender legislation has been in the area of healthcare. Several states have introduced bills seeking to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers. These measures have been condemned by medical professionals, who argue that they represent a major threat to the health and well-being of transgender youth.Another major area of concern has been in the realm of sports, where several states have passed laws banning transgender girls and women from competing in female sports teams. These measures have been criticized for being discriminatory and based on faulty assumptions about transgender people.Anti-transgender bills have also been introduced in the area of education, with several states seeking to restrict transgender students' access to bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. This has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of transgender students, who may face harassment and discrimination as a result of these measures.Despite the concerns raised by activists and medical professionals, many of these bills have been passed into law, representing a major setback for LGBTQ+ rights. However, many activists are fighting back against these measures, organizing protests and legal challenges in an effort to protect the rights and well-being of transgender people.Ultimately, the ongoing wave of anti-transgender legislation represents a major challenge for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as for anyone who believes in equal rights and human dignity. It is up to all of us to stand up and fight back against these measures, in order to ensure that transgender people are able to live their lives with dignity, respect, and equality.

author's bio
Clayre Sessoms

Clayre Sessoms (she/they) is a trans queer woman, Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Registered Canadian Art Therapist (RCAT), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). Her clinical work weaves together relational, experiential, and creative approaches rooted in social justice and liberatory practices. Clayre is the founder of Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy, where she supports individuals and groups as they navigate burnout, grief, identity, and inner transformation. When she isn’t in session, she’s likely reading a book or exploring nature’s quiet paths.

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