Today we join transgender Texans and their families in celebration because, after many months of courageous storytelling and coalition building, the efforts to pass anti-transgender bathroom ban legislation have FAILED.
“This victory for fairness is a testament to the courageous leadership of thousands of transgender Texans and their families who shared their stories and built a movement to stop discrimination from advancing,” said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation. “We congratulate them along with Equality Texas, and the many other local groups, businesses, and national partners who had boots on the ground for months on end.”
Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas said, “For those of you who must wake up every day with courage in your hearts just to walk out the front door. For the parents of transgender children who worry daily about their child’s safety and happiness. For anyone who has ever been harmed, discriminated against, slandered or made to feel less than human, just because of your gender identity—this victory is for you. We hope that today, you feel safer and more at home in Texas.” (Read the entire statement here.)
We’ve resisted more than 20 similar anti-transgender bills across the country this year, but none have garnered the level of attention as those in Texas. Federation member Equality Texas showed the nation how to lead in times like these. They engaged and provided support to transgender people and their families of all ages and backgrounds while amplifying their stories. They also built a broad, unwavering coalition of businesses, sports teams, celebrities, politicians, and civil rights organizations.
And together they won.
Sadly, our opposition doesn’t plan on stopping. We expect more fear-mongering and attacks to come. We’ll continue to resist, but for now, we celebrate!
Mark Snyder
