Recent bills around the country targeting transgender Americans used the same or very similar anti-trans language nearly word-for-word, a new analysis has found.
The Associated Press shared its study of nationwide anti-trans legislation from 17 different states. The findings aren’t actually all that shocking when you consider the source.
All of the Republican-sponsored laws used verbiage to restrict or ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors while implementing new restrictions on hormonal treatments trans teens were already receiving.
The AP’s study shows that the MAGA-manufactured attacks targeting the trans community are coming from neither grassroots action nor constituent demands, but from a few conservative interest groups with a whole lot of money.
I’ll pause here so you can unironically clutch your pearls from not being shocked.
When ISN’T it about money for the Gross Old Propagandists?
The bills used full-on anti-trans propaganda peddled by the hate group Do No Harm, which also criticizes efforts to diversify staffing in medicine.
Yeah, why should you let anyone but ancient old white men be physicians?
Then there’s the supplemental verbiage supplied by the egregiously misnamed Family Research Council, which has long been involved in abortion restrictions.
What could possibly be wrong with them having influence over the entire country?
Again, explain to me why any member of the government is allowed to have any say in any individual’s private medical decisions.
To recap: a few members of the Uptight Citizens’ Brigade are unwilling to learn proper biology because they can’t profit from an educated population.*
*See also: all of the other -isms and phobias.
A handful of carefully taught bigots.
That’s what’s preventing millions of transgender Americans and other Perceived Others from being able to simply peacefully co-exist in this country.
As we approach Pride Month, please remember that queer and trans lives are being targeted now more than ever.
Love is love, but it isn’t nearly enough to protect them (or anyone else) from the GOP.
NE State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan (R) complains filibusters of anti-trans bills made her miss her grandson's preschool graduation.
Sen. Megan Hunt (I): “You won't come off this bill that hurts my [trans] son. You hate him more than you love your own family. That's why you're here." pic.twitter.com/lqMybhuNaa
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) May 18, 2023
As a lifelong ally, I stand forever with our queer & trans family of friends #Pride2023
(h/t @clairewillett via @LauraKeeney) pic.twitter.com/kKwfYDGid9— Tara Dublin wrote a really cool book! (@taradublinrocks) May 19, 2023
For months, people have asked me, "Is it safe? Where should I go?" about anti trans laws.
I created the anti-trans legislative risk assessment map to help answer that question.
This month, a whole new category for Florida.
Subscribe to support my work.https://t.co/wxQQh90KUy
— Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) May 20, 2023
Read the AP’s full analysis here.
*THIS IS AN OPINION COLUMN THAT SOLELY REPRESENTS THE OPINIONS OF TARA DUBLIN. HOORAY FOR THE FREE PRESS!*
Other hot takes by Tara Dublin can be found on TikTok and Twitter @taradublinrocks.