How to Fight Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills and Laws
There are currently hundreds of bills that, if passed, will restrict the rights of LGBTQ people across the US - especially transgender and gender non-conforming youth. Here is what you can do about it.
Stay up to date
Keep tabs on what bills are being introduced and advancing. The longer the community is aware of an anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the more time there is to gather the support to fight it.
Visit this link for a map of all 388 current bills (provided by ACLU).
Some bills have already been signed into law. These are still worth fighting.
Understand the facts
Gender and sexuality-affirming healthcare SAVES LIVES. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide.
Discrimination, hate crimes, micro-aggressions, and lack of safety cause these statistics.
Bills legalizing these things will only make the issue worse.
Contact legislators
Your legislators will vote or have already voted for or against these bills. Tell them that you support LGBTQ+ rights and explain how these bills will actively harm people.
To easily find your legislators, go to openstates.org
If you're in NC, visit this link to contact your local Mayor, County Commissioners, and City Council members.
Use what you got
There is no one-size fits all way to be an activist. Use what YOU have available to you.
If you have time and enjoy working with a team, volunteer. If you have a skill, use it to promote messages of equality. If you have extra funds, donate to organizations or mutual-aid networks.
Play to your strengths so you don't get burnt out.
Sign petitions
While online petitions don't always equate to change, they are a good way to show legislators and news outlets what matters to people in the moment.
Change.org and many organizations have active campaigns that you can support.
Sign petitions, but don't stop there.
Talk to people
Many people are not aware of the struggles that LGBTQ+ people face or how these bills will harm the community.
Encourage those around you to fight anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Talk to friends and family about the impact of these bills.
Listen to their opinions, and if you feel safe doing so, calmly discuss any opposition and challenge stereotypes or misinformation.
Vote
Your vote is your voice.
If you have anxiety about voting in person, utilize a mail-in ballot. Your state may have rules about who can vote by mail, but many times you can request an absentee ballot and not have to go anywhere in person.
Any registered voter in North Carolina may vote by mail.
Take care of yourself and those around you
Living in an era where our rights are being taken away is extremely stressful and anxiety-inducing.
This is a long-term battle. Practice self-care, check in with loved-ones regularly, and support each other.
Hotlines:
Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Our LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists are here for your long-term support.