Human Rights Campaign declares “state of emergency” for LGBTQ+ Americans
The Human Rights Campaign, one of the leading advocacy groups in the US, has declared a “state of emergency” for LGBTQ+ people in the country.
As of 31 May, the organisation said it was working on more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills across more than 40 states. The total number passed this year stood at 76 as of 7 June, a number higher than any year on record. “We have officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States for the first time following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year,” the Human Rights Campaign announced on 6 June. “More than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record.” READ MORE: Anti-LGBTQ+ bills have worsened the mental health of 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth The impact of such legislation is already being felt across the US, with approximately 32.9 per cent of trans youth living in states where anti-trans sports bans have been introduced.
With many bills targeting gender-affirming care, which is life-saving for many trans people of all ages, 30.9 per cent of trans youth aged 13-17 are now unable to access it. “These states are banning educators from talking about LGBTQ+ issues and teaching Black history” In some states, care has also been banned for adults aged 18+ as well, further increasing the number of trans and non-binary people who have seen their access to healthcare blocked in this legislative session.
In addition to this, 14.8 per cent of trans people aged 13 and over live in a state where they are unable to use facilities, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, that align with their gender identity. READ
