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California Sen. Toni Atkins’ cultural (r)evolution

Atkins cites “Anita Hill moment” in advance of historic Pro Tem swearing-in

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California Sen. Toni Atkins (Photo by Karen Ocamb)

When Toni Atkins is sworn in as the first woman and first LGBT Senate President Pro Tem in California history today (Wednesday, March 21), the applause will mark a moment of change more profound than many may notice. The gathering momentum of a cultural revolution is apace, led now in Sacramento by a measured, down-to-earth, thoughtful and compassionate lesbian who is unafraid to mete out justice when necessary.

This is a critical moment, Atkins tells the Los Angeles Blade. And while Atkins’ place in history is being widely acknowledged, including that she is only the third person to lead both the Assembly and the Senate, the significant cultural difference before and after Atkins’ swearing in will be felt as women start feel safe at work in the Capitol and harassment is everyone’s concern.

Atkins starts off with back up. On Feb. 19, Atkins endorsed Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom for governor. “Gavin understands housing affordability is a foundational issue that links all others,” she wrote on her Facebook page. “I look forward to working with him to create more housing at all income levels.”

The respect is mutual. “Toni’s making history as the first woman and LGBTQ Pro Tem, but what makes her extraordinary is her authenticity, intellect and compassion. I have every expectation that she is going to be one of California’s great Senate leaders. She’s the right Pro Tem at the right time,” Newsom tells the Los Angeles Blade.

Now but a blip in memory, Atkins had a taste of gubernatorial power for part of the day on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 when the governor, lieutenant governor and state Senate president pro tem were all out of town and Atkins, who became Assembly Speaker two months earlier, briefly served as acting governor. Atkins thus became the first openly LGBT person to serve as California governor. “If Gov. Brown wants a few more days away I’m here for him!” Atkins said.

Humor, humility and toughness have served Atkins well on her 55-year journey from an impoverished childhood in Appalachia Virginia to the halls of power in Sacramento.

“Personally, that I would be able to do this, given where I come from and my beginnings, it’s really kind of amazing and very humbling,” Atkins tells the Los Angeles Blade on the eve of making history, again. “But as it relates to my being a member of the LGBTQ community, there are a lot of people who made it possible for me to be the first LGBTQ Senate President Pro Tem—starting in my mind with Chris Kehoe who gave me this incredible opportunity to get started in public service and elective politics.”

Atkins landed in San Diego in 1985 after securing a BA in political science from Emory and Henry College, and attending the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She joined Womancare Health Center before signing on with Kehoe after she won a San Diego City Council seat in 1993, a first for an LGBT candidate in the conservative area. Atkins served as her representative and policy analyst for years and when Kehoe was elected to the state Assembly, Atkins won the seat in Nov. 2000.

Georgette Gomez, Toni Atkins, Chris Kehoe Oct. 2017 (Courtesy the San Diego LGBT Community Center Facebook page)

Ten years later, Atkins was elected to the State Assembly, the same year LA Assemblymember John A. Perez made history by becoming the nation’s and California’s first openly gay Assembly Speaker. Two years later, Perez made Atkins majority leader and two years after that, he designated Atkins to be his successor as Speaker of the Assembly—making more history by having two out LGBT people in a row serve in that august position. LGBT ally Pro Tem Kevin de León designated Atkins as his successor, as well.

“As long as I’ve known Toni Atkins, I have known her to be a fierce and tireless public servant, I have no doubt that she will be an excellent Senate Pro Tem,” Speaker Emeritus Pérez tells the Los Angeles Blade. “I am very proud that this day has come and even more excited to see my friend Senator Toni Atkins take her place in history,”

“Toni is a class act and will bring her down-home focus and style of leadership to incredibly important work our State Senate faces this year. I am sure I’ll be more than a little bit misty-eyed as I watch her take the oath,” Eric C. Bauman, the first out Chair of the California Democratic Party, tells the Los Angeles Blade.

Already known as a coalition-builder, Atkins has pledged to work with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, who had a tense relationship with de León.

And there is the possibility of coalition work with Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates of Laguna Niguel, who has offered to work with Atkins “to substantially address the issues raised by reports concerning inappropriate behavior,” according to the LA Times, such as allegations of sexual harassment that have rocked the Capitol.

And here’s where the clapping and the congratulatory kiss with her wife, Jennifer LeSar, mark the change in how things are done in the State Capitol, at least on the Senate side.

Atkins has taken up the cause of the 140 women—legislators, lobbyists, advisors and staffers—who signed the “We Said Enough” letter letter calling out the “pervasive” culture of sexual harassment and misconduct in state government where “dehumanizing behavior by men in our workplace” is swept under the rug.

As a result of pressure from the #MeToo movement, Los Angeles-area Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza resigned instead of facing an expulsion vote over sexual misconduct allegations.

“I want to focus a little bit internally on the Senate,” says Atkins. “I want to work on our policies and procedures so that everyone who comes into this building feels like it’s a safe place to be and to work.

“But it’s bigger than that,” she continues. “We have an opportunity because of the women who stepped forward—I think it started with the election in November when we got a new president and women at some point just said ‘We’ve had enough! We’ve absolutely had enough of this kind of treatment’ and they were courageous and they stepped forward. And I think we have an incredible moment in time that I want to make sure we don’t lose.”

And by turning a spotlight on the parallel track of women’s treatment—too often invisible to or ignored by the male eye—Atkins intends to turn the moment into sustainable action that will invariably change the culture. That clapping is a call to arms, to a feminist revolution accomplished through evolutionary measures.

Toni Atkins, 2006 (Photo courtesy Rex Wockner)

Atkins calls it the “Anita Hill moment”— when professor Anita Hill stepped forward in 1991 to accuse then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. Hill, says Atkins, “tried to point out that there is harassment, discrimination, and a different kind of treatment of women in the workplace. And you what—she wasn’t successful. And I think it caused women to run back in the shadows and into the closets on the issues of harassment in the workplace. I think women, as a group, we felt like we couldn’t risk our families, our careers and our jobs because a very, really powerful woman tried to address the issue and failed.”

But that was then. Now, “historically, we have a moment where we can actually, really try to make real change. And we have a role to play in the Legislature and in the Senate, which I will lead, to change the culture. I have a goal to focus internally, to try to work on something that will resonate as big as any piece of legislation can. We can change laws, and we can change regulations, and we can do bills but the real change takes place one person at a time within ourselves to change culture. So we’re trying to change a culture that has existed always.”

Yes, Atkins, will continue to bring her own bills and help other legislators with their legislation. “But if we can actually work on this piece, all of the pieces of law we put into place—whether it’s fair pay, or workplace equality—all of those things will be really so much further advanced if we address the issue of culture change that’s needed,” she says. “We have ‘a moment’ to really, really try to make some change or understand the impact from a greater scale.”

And that work will also support other issues as California is under attack by the Trump administration. “We will defend the people in California—whether we are talking about the transgender community, gender identity—or whether we’re talking about protection for immigrants. These are our residents. These are our citizens. And we are going to do everything we can,” Atkins says. “Society and our views are changing and California is a state, I believe, that is about the future and setting the trend for policies and procedures that Californians believe, and more and more Americans believe every day.”

“Toni Atkins is one of the most effective lawmakers in California and a true leader for the LGBTQ community,” says Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. “We congratulate Senator Atkins on this historic achievement and look forward to the bright future for Californians under her leadership.”

And then there’s Atkins the role model.

US House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Sen. Toni Atkins (Photo by Karen Ocamb)

“Both LGBTQ people and women are severely underrepresented in government— especially in high-level leadership positions—so I am thrilled Toni Atkins is now the California Senate’s President pro Tempore,” former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, tells the Los Angeles Blade “Toni is an authentic, values-driven leader who remembers her Appalachian roots and enters the Capitol each day eager to improve the lives of all Californians. She takes on bold initiatives many politicians avoid—including healthcare and housing for those most vulnerable—and that political courage will spark creative and productive legislative solutions in the state Senate. Both California and the nation will benefit tremendously from Toni’s leadership.”

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Los Angeles County

New on the LA County Channel

You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

New on the LA County Channel

LA County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department recently launched an innovative and voluntary residential job training program that offers a chance for justice-involved individuals to receive free certifications and hands-on training in fire services plus room and board, career counseling, life skills training and job placement assistance.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Dine Out LA County

Los Angeles County currently offers Outdoor Dining for restaurants within unincorporated areas by permit. The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning, are currently developing a Permanent Outdoor Dining Program that will continue to benefit both businesses and patrons.

Restaurants in unincorporated Los Angeles County have opportunities to expand dining seating into the following areas:

  • Private Walkways
  • Private Parking Facilities
  • County’s Road Right-of-Way (Sidewalks, Metered or Unmetered Parking Spaces, and Alleys)

To learn more about this program, register for community meetings, or apply for a permit, visit lacounty.pw/dining

At Your Service

Compact Mobile Food Operations Subsidy Program

The Department of Economic Opportunity will be supporting new and existing street vendors selling food with obtaining their Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) permits. Through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Department of Economic Opportunity will subsidize up to 75% of the total cost of CMFO fees which may include a permit fee, plan check, site evaluation, and home inspection. The funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on the CMFO program, visit opportunities.lacounty.gov. To register for an upcoming workshop, click here.

Out and About

Women’s History Month: Fun at the Library!

Celebrate the last week of Women’s History Month with LA County Library!  There’s something for everyone – to find an event near you, or to learn more with a good book, visit lacountylibrary.org.

Photo Finish

Spring Jubilee at Belvedere Regional Park.
(Photo Credit: Los Angeles County / Mayra Beltran Vasquez)

Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

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Politics

24% of trans adults say access to care disrupted by new laws 

Several laws have been passed targeting trans people over the past year. Now, a Data For Progress poll shows 24% have seen care disrupted

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Trans Health Matters Campaign/Los Angeles Blade graphic

By Erin Reed | MISSOULA, Mont. – In recent years, several laws targeting transgender adults have been proposed or enacted. These laws eliminate Medicaid coverage for transgender healthcare, permit pharmacists and hospital systems to discriminate against transgender patients, and impose restrictions on providers in various ways.

Until recently, little information was available on how these new statutes affect transgender adults. While their care is often not explicitly prohibited, they may still experience disruptions due to anti-transgender laws. Now, a just released Data for Progress poll reveals that 24% of transgender adults have had their healthcare disrupted or discontinued as a result of anti-transgender legislation.

The survey, focusing on transgender and LGBTQ+ respondents, specifically questioned transgender individuals about the impact of anti-transgender policies or rhetoric on their lives. Among the transgender respondents, 24% reported that their access to gender-affirming care was interrupted or discontinued in the past year. Considering the Williams Institute’s estimation of 1.6 million transgender Americans, this percentage translates to more than 380,000 transgender adults whose care has been disrupted by recent anti-transgender legislation or rhetoric.

You can see the results of this poll question here:

While the survey does not detail the specific disruptions to healthcare access, a range of recent legislative actions and policy amendments may play a role. Several laws and updates in state policy have barred Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care. For example, South Carolina has recently revised its policy to eliminate coverage of transgender healthcare for individuals of all ages. In addition, states such as Florida have introduced strict restrictions, effectively banning up to 80% of all gender-affirming care for transgender adults within the state. A number of states have also enacted laws allowing religious-based medical discrimination against transgender individuals, allowing doctors, pharmacists, and even receptionists and cashiers to decline the dispensation of hormone prescriptions to transgender people. Furthermore, Idaho has recently passed legislation that prohibits the use of public funds or facilities for providing any gender-affirming care, potentially causing significant disruptions to transgender healthcare within the state.

The findings are significant, and show that transgender youth are not the only ones impacted by recent anti-transgender legislation. In addition to the 50% of transgender youth that live in states that have barred or heavily restricted gender affirming care, transgender adults appear to also be impacted by recent anti-trans legislation and rhetoric.

The consequences of recent legislation and rhetoric extend beyond disruptions in medical care. The survey also inquired about the concerns transgender individuals have regarding discrimination and harassment. The findings are alarming: 68% of transgender adults express concern about facing discrimination and harassment in restrooms, 64% report similar apprehensions about nightclubs, and 62% fear engaging in public displays of affection with their partners. As a result of these concerns, 44% of transgender adults indicate they have contemplated relocating or have already relocated from their community or state due to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

See this question of high levels of concern from transgender people over several basic activities:

Anti-transgender policies targeting adults seem to be increasingly prevalent. In several states, legislation has been proposed and passed to end all legal recognition of transgender individuals.

Additionally, recent audio recordings from Republican legislators in Ohio and Michigan reveal an “endgame” aimed at ending transgender care “for everyone.” Before this latest poll, the extent of the disruption caused by these laws and policies on transgender adults was largely unclear. Many are now finding themselves forced to leave their states simply to access necessary care.

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Erin Reed is a transgender woman (she/her pronouns) and researcher who tracks anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world and helps people become better advocates for their queer family, friends, colleagues, and community. Reed also is a social media consultant and public speaker.

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The preceding article was first published at Erin In The Morning and is republished with permission.

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Southern California

Triple A:  Average gas prices jump over $5 in SoCal

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.03, which is eight cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Most areas of Southern California are now experiencing average prices over $5 a gallon as prices moved up for the second week in a row and for eight weeks total in 2024 so far, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.03, which is eight cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.54, which is one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.08 per gallon, which is nine cents more than last week, 26 cents higher than last month, and 23 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.06, which is seven cents higher than last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and 19 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.06, which is six cents higher than last week, 26 cents higher than last month, and 23 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.96, which is nine cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month and 18 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.93 average price is eight cents more than last week, 33 cents more than last month, and five cents higher than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, the Wilmington section of Phillip 66’s Los Angeles refinery is undergoing planned maintenance, with no information available on when it will return to production,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “It’s important for drivers to keep in mind that even in areas with average prices over $5 a gallon, they can usually find much less expensive gasoline than $5 nearby by using a free tool such as the AAA Mobile app. As of today, there are still several Southern California gas stations with prices under $4.50 a gallon.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 28, averages are:

032824

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Oklahoma

Medical Examiner releases final autopsy on Nex Benedict’s death

“The release of today’s report does not change the fact that LGTBQ+ students in Oklahoma are not safe at school”

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Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Tulsa office at1627 Southwest Blvd. (Photo Credit: State of Oklahoma)

TULSA, Okla. – The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office released the full report Wednesday on the results of its investigation into the death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old trans teen, whose death has become a hot button topic in ongoing national discourse over transphobic and homophobic bullying in public school settings.

Earlier this month the medical examiner’s office released Page One of the report stating that Benedict’s death was caused by an overdose of Benadryl and Prozac, and ruled the death a suicide.

Owasso Police Department Lt. Nick Boatman said in a statement to the media at the time of the release of the initial finding:  “From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide. However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.”

The Owasso Police Department released Body Cam footage from the interview conducted by the Owasso High School resource officer taken at the emergency room, investigating the attack on Benedict by three other female juveniles earlier that day in a school bathroom.

The District Attorney for Tulsa County, Oklahoma, Steve Kunzweiler, released a statement last week that said no criminal charges will be filed in the death of the 16-year-old Owasso High School trans student.

In part the district attorney said because the finding by the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner precluded the possibility that the death was caused directly from the physical altercation at the school the day prior to the teen’s dying.

According to the District Attorney, Benedict had written notes talking about suicide but did not reference the fight or incidents at school. Kunzweiler stated that the notes are personal to Benedict’s family and will not be released.

16-year-old trans teen Nex Benedict being recorded on Owasso Police Department body cam footage at the emergency room after he was attacked in a bathroom at Owasso High School speaking with the Owasso High School resource officer.

The report also detailed injuries sustained in the fight from the day before, including several small cuts and bruises on their face and body. Benedict also had a 4×3 inch bruise on his chest from resuscitation efforts. The Medical Examiner also found yellowing bruises on Benedict’s arms, legs, and torso that were healing before the time of the fight. The Medical Examiner’s Office also found evidence of self-inflicted wounds on the arm.

Several Oklahoma-based LGBTQ organizations responded to the release of the full autopsy report along with national LGBTQ+ advocacy groups GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Rainbow Youth Project.

“As our community continues to grieve and remember Nex, it’s clearer than ever that everyone from Oklahoma’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters to Owasso High School staff members to the Owasso Police Department, Tulsa District Attorney, and unaccredited-since-2009 state medical examiner’s office failed to deliver justice for Nex Benedict and Nex’s loved ones,” said Nicole McAfree executive director of Freedom Oklahoma. “A harm doubled by the continued lack of respect for the tribal law enforcement who should be involved in a case that involves the death of an Indigenous person on reservation land. As we approach the end of the Oklahoma legislative session, lawmakers should take the opportunity to send a message of adamant opposition to anti-2SLGBTQ+ legislation and policies; and support for measures that enable more empathy, kindness, and compassion, not less. Nex should be alive, and the very least we can do in Nex’s memory is demonstrate our commitment to building a better world that makes it impossible for this heartbreaking tragedy to happen again,” McAfree added.

Kylan L. Durant, Oklahoma Pride Alliance President said; “Today’s news is the latest disappointing development in Nex Benedict’s tragic story. The best way to honor Nex’s memory now is by taking tangible steps to secure meaningful policies and platforms that make life better for all LGBTQ and 2STGNC+ youth. All Oklahomans deserve to live in a world that treats us with full dignity and respect, and where we can access spaces that allow us to live as our honest, authentic selves. We will never stop advocating for equality and justice in honor of Nex and too many others who left us too soon.”

The Rainbow Youth Project reported an uptick in crisis calls from Oklahoma since Benedict’s death:

  • 1,097 calls from Oklahoma in February.
  • 824 calls from Oklahoma in March so far.
  • Note that the average for the state is 357 per month.
  • Oklahoma youth reaching out to Rainbow Youth Project reported experiencing anti-LGBTQ bullying and specifically called out Superintendent Walters:
    • 82% reported bullying.
    • 62% cited anti-LGBTQ rhetoric from Walters.

More than 350 organizations signed a letter one month ago calling for the removal of Ryan Walters as Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction following his long history of leadership failures and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. For a comprehensive look at Ryan Walters’ record on LGBTQ people and issues.

“Since Nex’s death, the crisis lines at the Rainbow Youth Project continue to increase in calls and outreach from young people who feel discouraged and hopeless. It’s incumbent upon all of us to secure safety and well-being for young people, especially those who are most at risk of being bullied and singled out,” said Christopher Sederburg, Leader of the Transgender Action Committee at Rainbow Youth Project. “It’s hard enough to be a young person in the world today without worrying about doing something as simple as attending school safely. Nex’s death is a tremendous loss and we must do everything in our power to prevent similar tragedies from taking place in the future. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma Department of Education must enact change and do right by all students.”

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO in a statement released after the report was made public said:

“This report cannot be seen as a conclusion of the investigation into the death of a teenager who should still be here today. Oklahoma’s supposed leaders must still provide answers to the public about the state-sponsored bullying by legislation, the inadequate response to violence in a school bathroom, and all the failures to keep Nex safe that continue to endanger LGBTQ and 2STGNC+ people in Oklahoma. GLAAD continues to call for an independent investigation to resolve the systemic failures that led to Nex’s death. Our hearts remain with Nex’s family, with Oklahoma’s incredible 2STGNC+ and equality advocates, and all LGBTQ youth who deserve to grow up in peace and safety.”

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement: 

“The full report does little to fill in the gaps in information about that day or the more than a year of bullying and harassment that led up to it. It does not answer the questions of so many in Oklahoma and across the country. We continue to support the calls from Nex’s family for an independent investigation.

“Young people in Oklahoma and across the country deserve to be safe and respected in school. This includes young people who may dress differently, speak differently, or identify differently from you. What’s clear from Nex’s death, and from what we’ve heard from so many students and parents in Owasso and across the state, is that this is not the case. Instead, we have seen the very adults who should be working to protect Oklahoma’s kids actively foster the hostile environment that makes students unsafe.

“The release of today’s report does not change the fact that LGTBQ+ students in Oklahoma are not safe at school. And it does not change our continued calls for justice and accountability.  We reiterate our call for a full and complete investigation into the district,  state superintendent Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and into their response after Nex was attacked.”

Photo Credit: Owasso Public Schools, Owasso, Oklahoma.

On March 1, the U.S. Department of Education informed HRC president Kelley Robinson that the department will open an investigation in response to HRC’s letter regarding Owasso Public Schools and its failure to respond appropriately to sex-based harassment that may have contributed to the tragic death of Benedict.

This investigation was triggered by a formal complaint made last week by Robinson, who wrote to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and asked his department to use the enforcement mechanisms at its disposal to prevent similar tragedies from taking place in the future and to help hold accountable those responsible for Benedict’s tragic death.

Lance Preston, the Executive Director of Rainbow Youth Project USA, echoed his fellow non-profit CEO’s at GLAAD and HRC telling the Blade:

“In a unified effort with Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD, Rainbow Youth Project USA is calling for an independent autopsy to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the youth’s death. 

Rainbow Youth Project USA, demands that educational institutions in Oklahoma and across the country take immediate action to address the pervasive issue of bullying and harassment faced by LGBTQ+ students. 

Statistics reveal that 58% of LGBTQ+ youth in Oklahoma feel unsafe at school, painting a grim picture of the challenges these individuals face on a daily basis. “Schools must be safe and inclusive environments for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is unacceptable that a significant number of LGBTQ+ students are experiencing bullying and harassment.”

Rainbow Youth Project USA, based on recent data, received 1,097 crisis calls from Oklahoma in February alone. Nearly 86% of these callers reported instances of being bullied within the state’s schools, highlighting the urgent need for improved support and protection for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student from Oklahoma, died on Feb. 8 after a fight at their high school. (Family photo)

In a conversation with the Blade on Wednesday, investigative journalist T.J. Payne reflected on the report:

“I can’t help but feel a sickness around all of it. As a trans person, reading a trans child’s autopsy is really fucked. Referring to their various insides as normal, intact, not usual. If only we described trans people the same way externally. Just like everybody else in the world trying to survive.”

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Northern California

Sacramento declares itself a sanctuary city for trans people

The measure, which takes effect immediately, bars city resources to be used to criminalize trans people seeking transition-related healthcare

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Councilmember Katie Valenzuela along with trans activists, allies, and supporters gather in the atrium of city hall after the resolution passed making California's capital a sanctuary city for transgender people. (Photo Credit: Councilmember Katie Valenzuela)

SACRAMENTO –  In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the city council passed a resolution declaring California’s capital city a “sanctuary city for transgender people.” The measure, which takes effect immediately, bars city government or resources to be used to criminalize trans people seeking transition-related healthcare or to cooperate with outside cities or states seeking to enforce their laws that criminalize trans healthcare.

Sacramento Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, who introduced the resolution, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

[…] “This resolution was supported by a myriad of organizations and was unanimously approved by my colleagues. This resolution was written and directly informed by transgender community leaders. It was put forward in recognition of the rise in laws across our country seeking to limit or completely restrict access to gender-affirming care.

By affirming our commitment to supporting our LGBTQ+ community and ensuring that no city resources or staff time will be used to help enforce these harmful laws in other jurisdictions, the City has taken a step beyond state law and sent a powerful signal to everyone in our community that we are a safe place for everyone.”

A law, SB107, authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), which took effect on January 1 of last year, made it the State of California’s policy to reject any out-of-state court judgments removing trans kids from their parents’ custody because they allowed them to receive gender-affirming health care.

State health officials will not be allowed to comply with subpoenas seeking health records and any information related to such criminal cases, and public safety officers must make out-of-state criminal arrest warrants for such parents their lowest priority.

Read the Resolution:

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Politics

Out Maryland state lawmaker angles for seat in Congress

27-year-old gay lawmaker running for seat would make history as first Latino, first gay man & first Gen Zer elected to Congress from Maryland

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Maryland state Del. Joe Vogel (D-Montgomery County) (Photo courtesy of Joe Vogel)

WASHINGTON – Maryland state Del. Joe Vogel (D-Montgomery County) on Monday said it is time for a new generation of leaders in Congress.

The Montgomery County Democrat last May declared his candidacy for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District after Congressman David Trone announced his run for retiring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.)’s seat. Vogel, 27, would be the first Latino, the first gay man and the first Gen Zer elected to Congress from Maryland if he were to win in November.

“We need a new generation of leadership with new perspectives, new ideas and the courage to actually deliver for our communities if we want things to get better in this country,” Vogel told the Washington Blade during an interview at the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan.

Protecting democracy among priorities

Vogel was born in Uruguay and immigrated to Rockville with his family when he was three years old.

He volunteered for former President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Vogel, who is Jewish, in 2014 worked for Maryland state Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-Montgomery County)’s campaign.

He was part of Hillary Clinton’s National Advance Team during her 2016 presidential campaign, and worked on former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s 2017 gubernatorial bid. Vogel later joined the March for Our Lives movement for gun control that began after a gunman killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2018.

Vogel in 2020 worked for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)’s presidential campaign. The Montgomery County Democrat in 2022 became the first Gen Zer to win a seat in the Maryland General Assembly. 

Vogel pointed out to the Blade that he has introduced 18 bills in this year’s legislative session. 

One of them, a bill that would prohibit the state from giving foster children in their custody trash bags for them to transport their belongings, passed unanimously in the House on March 14. Other measures that Vogel has sponsored would, among other things, provide security grants to abortion clinics and increase investments in local newspapers.

“I have a record of being able to deliver results,” he said. “That’s what I’m running on.”

Vogel pointed out to the Blade that his platform includes:

  • • Protecting democracy
  • • Preventing “attacks on fundamental rights”
  • • Fighting climate change
  • • Stopping gun violence

Vogel also noted his support for the Equality Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal civil rights laws.

“At a moment of time when you have attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, against our rights, against our identities, I believe that there’s nothing more powerful than electing Maryland’s first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress,” he said.

Vogel added his election would send “a message to all the young LGBTQ+ people across the state that they belong, and that they have someone in the United States Congress who understands them and is going to fight for them every single day,” added Vogel.

Vogel’s great-grandparents fled Europe ahead of the Holocaust. Uruguay’s military dictatorship was in place from 1973-1985. 

His multiple identities remain a cornerstone of his legislative priorities and of his campaign.

“When we talk about the attacks on LGBTQ+ people, I get that. I feel that,” said Vogel. “I understand that when we talk about the attacks on immigrant communities … not only do I understand that, personally, but I’m around so many immigrants that feel that pain of what we’ve seen over the last many years of the incessant attacks on immigrants and Latino people. When we see the rise in anti-Semitism, I feel that personally.”

HRC, Victory Fund have endorsed Vogel

The Democratic primary will take place on May 14.

April McClain Delaney, a former U.S. Department of Commerce official whose husband is former Congressman John Delaney, and state Del. Lesley Lopez (D-Montgomery County) are among Vogel’s primary opponents. Former state Del. Dan Cox, an anti-LGBTQ Republican who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022, is also running for Trone’s seat.

Campaign finance reports indicate Vogel raised $379,755.91 between May 4, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023. McClain Delaney reported she received $536,557 in campaign contributions from Oct. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023.

The Human Rights Campaign, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Equality PAC and the Sierra Club are among the organizations that have endorsed Vogel’s campaign. U.S. Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and Frederick County Council President Brad Young are among those who have also backed him. The Maryland State Education Association and the National Education Association this week endorsed Vogel.

Vogel dismissed suggestions that he does not have enough legislative experience to run for Congress and that he is too young.

“When you’re elected to Congress, you’re elected for a two-year term,” he said. “Look at what I’ve been able to accomplish in a two-year term. I’ve proven that I can hit the ground running, get results, deliver results.”

Vogel added the race to succeed Trone in Congress is “me versus the status quo.”

“We need a new generation of leadership with new perspectives, new ideas and the courage to actually deliver for our communities if we actually want things to get better in this country,” said Vogel.

Democratic opponent gave money to Jim DeMint

Former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan last month announced he is running for U.S. Senate. Prince George’s County Executive Director Angela Alsobrooks is also hoping to succeed Cardin.

Vogel sharply criticized Cox. 

“He is as bigoted as it gets,” Vogel told the Blade. “He is a far-right extremist who bussed people to D.C. on Jan. 6, who is as homophobic as it gets, and who is as transphobic as it gets.”

Vogel said Maryland voters in November “need to reject Dan Cox” and “we have to reject Larry Hogan.” (Vogel has endorsed Trone’s Senate campaign.)

“We have to elect pro-equality members of Congress this November, to finally secure the protections that we need for our community in Congress,” said Vogel.

Vogel also vowed to “do everything in my power to ensure that” former President Donald Trump does not win re-election in November.

“Three generations in my family: My great-grandparents, my grandparents, my parents experienced the loss of democracy,” Vogel told the Blade. “My great-grandparents escaped fascism. My grandparents and parents lived under a repressive military dictatorship in Uruguay, and I see the concern that my parents feel seeing the rise of Trump.”

“I refuse to be the fourth generation in my family who experienced the loss of democracy,” he added. “This November, the election fundamentally is going to decide the future of our democracy.”

Vogel on Sunday during a forum the Frederick County Democratic Party sponsored criticized McClain Delaney over her 2005 campaign donation to then-U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) after he said gay people should not be teachers.

“I can’t imagine making any sort of political contribution to any anti-LGBTQ+, anti-choice, pro-NRA member of the United States Senate, and let alone the maximum allowed contribution,” said Vogel. “There is a stark contrast there.”

‘My heart breaks for what we saw on’ Oct. 7

Vogel spoke with the Blade less than six months after Hamas launched a surprise attack against southern Israel.

“It was the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” he said. “What concerns me is that Hamas has made clear that they intend to carry out an attack like that again and again and again and again.”

“My heart breaks for what we saw on that day,” added Vogel.

Vogel is among those who attended a pro-Israel rally that took place on the National Mall last November. He has also met with relatives of hostages who remain in the Gaza Strip.

“Hearing the stories of parents whose kids are still in Gaza, the pain that I feel is tremendous,” said Vogel. “We have to bring those hostages home.”

Vogel told the Blade that Hamas can no longer control Gaza. He also said peace cannot be achieved with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in office.

“If we want to reach peace, a number of things have to happen: Hamas needs to go. We need a change in leadership in Israel and we need diplomatic negotiations to get a bilateral ceasefire, which is not what I think people are calling for when they call for an immediate ceasefire.”

Vogel last October posted to his X account pictures of anti-Semitic graffiti in his apartment building.

He told the Blade the graffiti was removed, but “it took a very long time.” Vogel has introduced a bill that would require the removal of graffiti in a specific period of time if it violates Maryland’s hate crimes law.

Book bans ‘have absolutely no place’

Vogel during the interview also criticized Moms for Liberty and their efforts to ban books in Maryland. He noted Jaime Brennan, the chair of the group’s Frederick County chapter, is running for the county’s Board of Education.

“Book bans in a free democratic society have absolutely no place,” said Vogel.

The Maryland House on March 15 by a 98-37 vote margin approved the Freedom to Read Act. The measure would create a “state policy that local school systems operate their school library media programs consistent with certain standards,” require “each local school system to develop a policy and procedures to review objections to materials in a school library media program” and ban “a county board of education from dismissing, demoting, suspending, disciplining, reassigning, transferring or otherwise retaliating against certain school library media program personnel for performing their job duties consistent with certain standards.”

The bill is now before the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee.

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Ohio

ACLU of Ohio files new lawsuit on gender-affirming care ban

Attorneys argue that a constitutional amendment promoted by Republicans against the Obamacare may actually overturn a trans healthcare ban

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Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. (Photo Credit: Library of Congress photographic collections)

By Erin Reed | COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Ohio alleges that the ban on gender-affirming care, passed into law earlier this year, violates multiple provisions of the Ohio state Constitution.

This action comes in the wake of a decision by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, under which Ohio falls, that dismissed federal constitutional concerns regarding bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This latest legal challenge, however, focuses on the Ohio state Constitution and is filed in an Ohio Court of Common Pleas.

According to the recently released filing, attorneys argue that a state constitutional amendmentpassed by Republicans in 2011 to prevent the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), may, in fact, make the ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth unconstitutional.

In 2011, Republicans in Ohio voiced concerns that the Affordable Care Act would limit healthcare choices. Misinformation about “death panels” became widespread nationally. At the same time, there was controversy over whether individuals could retain their doctors under the new federal healthcare program. In reaction, Ohio Republicans and the local Tea Party, a then-active anti-Obamacare movement within the Republican Party, advocated for a constitutional amendment to prohibit penalties related to the purchase of healthcare or health insurance. The amendment was approved by popular vote and took effect shortly thereafter.

The amendment reads as follows:

(B) No federal, state, or local law or rule shall prohibit the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance.

(C) No federal, state, or local law or rule shall impose a penalty or fine for the sale or purchase of health care or health insurance.

Now, in the latest lawsuit filed by the ACLU, attorneys argue that the new gender affirming care ban for transgender youth set to go into effect on April 24th violates these constitutional protections in the state. In the lawsuit, attorneys argue that “gender-affirming care, including the prescription of puberty-delaying medication and/or hormone therapy to minor patients where appropriate in the judgment of a physician, is ‘health care’ within the meaning of Article I, Section 21.” They argue that the law imposes penalties and prohibits the purchase of health care, rendering it unconstitutional.

Attorneys cite major medical organizations and healthcare guidance to argue that gender-affirming care constitutes healthcare. They note that all major medical organizations in the United States endorse gender-affirming care as medically necessary. These include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Endocrine Society, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, among others. Additionally, the federal Department of Health and Human Services has issued several memos defining gender-affirming care as healthcare. Should a judge concur, they could rule that prohibiting gender-affirming care for transgender youth and penalizing doctors violates the constitutional amendment against “imposing a penalty or fine” for the “sale or purchase of health care.”

This is not the first instance where Republican legislation could lead to overturning a ban on transgender care in a state. In Montana in 2023, Republicans enacted a “right to try” act, aimed at ensuring access to unproven COVID-19 treatments such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as well as any other experimental or non-approved treatment. A Montana judge, in a 2023 ruling, found that specifically banning gender-affirming care on the baseless assertion that it is “experimental,” while simultaneously permitting experimental COVID-19 treatments, was overtly discriminatory. For this and additional reasons, the state court judge decided that the ban on gender-affirming care in Montana should be blocked as likely unconstitutional.

The ACLU lawsuit in Ohio claims several violations of the Ohio Constitution. It argues that the bill infringes upon the “single subject rule,” which mandates that no bill in Ohio should encompass more than one subject. This rule exists to prevent “logrolling” of unrelated issues, ensuring that each matter can be debated individually. Within the state legislative debate over the bill, many Republicans sidestepped discussion of the gender-affirming care ban, focusing instead on the sports-related portion of the bill. At times, the debate seemed disjointed, as if Republicans were addressing two separate pieces of legislation. The intent behind single subject rules is to avoid such scenarios. Given that the Ohio trans ban includes provisions on transgender participation in sports, which bears little relevance to the legal status of transgender healthcare, the ACLU contends that the ban contravenes the Constitution. The ACLU also alleges due process and equal protection violations.

The state lawsuit follows mixed outcomes in federal courts regarding bans on gender-affirming care. While federal courts in the 8th and 9th Circuits have blocked these bans, they have been permitted to take effect in several states within the jurisdictions of the 6th7th, and 11th Circuit Courts. This situation complicates federal challenges for attorneys in Ohio, as Ohio falls under the jurisdiction of the 6th Circuit, which has allowed such bans to be implemented.

It is unknown when the judge will rule on the lawsuit, but the filing asks for a quick resolution given that the gender affirming care ban is set to go into effect on April 24th of this year. Attorneys ask for a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary injunction barring the state AG from enforcing the legislation as well as the state medical board from imposing penalties on doctors providing gender affirming care.

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Erin Reed is a transgender woman (she/her pronouns) and researcher who tracks anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world and helps people become better advocates for their queer family, friends, colleagues, and community. Reed also is a social media consultant and public speaker.

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The preceding article was first published at Erin In The Morning and is republished with permission.

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Georgia

Anti-trans omnibus bill passes Georgia Senate, skirts deadlines

An anti-trans “omnibus” bill, dubbed a “Frankenbill” by detractors, has passed in Georgia, with another one pending

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Georgia Senators open a current session in prayer. (Photo Credit: Georgia Senate)

By Erin Reed | ATLANTA, Ga. – Today, Georgia’s Senate passed House Bill 1104, an “omnibus” bill designed to consolidate several anti-transgender policies into a single piece of legislation.

Additionally, the Senate will debate House Bill 1170 later this evening, which proposes adding puberty blockers to a ban on gender-affirming care already passed by the state. Both bills were attached to entirely unrelated legislation as a strategy to circumvent rules that mandate bills pass at least one chamber by a specific deadline, effectively rendering that deadline meaningless for anti-trans legislation.

This weekend, it was announced that both bills would appear on the Senate calendar, and at 4 PM on Tuesday, House Bill 1104 passed on a party-line 33-21 vote. The Georgia Legislature is set to adjourn sine die on Thursday.

This year, more than 14 anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in Georgia. Some of these proposed measures would have forcibly outed transgender youth in the state. Others would ban transgender students from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. The hearings for these bills were met with significant opposition and led to tense encounters. In one notable hearing, only supporters of a bill were permitted to testify, despite a room full of opponents.

Another moment that garnered attention involved a Republican senator in Georgia who approached a girl to vow to protect her with a bathroom ban, only to run away upon discovering she was transgender. The bills did not advance past their respective chambers before “crossover day,” the deadline by which a bill must be passed by at least one chamber or be considered dead.

However, now, the language from those failed bills were added onto entirely unrelated bills in a bid to get around those rules. House Bill 1104 originally was a bill about showing mental health videos to high school athletes in the state. After being amended, that bill would now:

  • Ban transgender students from sports of their gender identity.
  • Ban transgender students from bathrooms of their gender identity, though the scope and enforcement is unclear.
  • Allow parents to be notified of every book a student checks out.
  • Bar sex education before 6th grade and make all sex-ed entirely opt-in.
  • Expands obscenity laws in schools which have been used to ban books.

Similarly, House bill 1170 was a bill originally about opioid overdose protections. That bill has been amended to now bar puberty blockers for transgender youth. Georgia had previously banned gender affirming care for transgender youth, but that ban did not originally include puberty blockers.

The reaction to the attempt to skirt the rules was swift. Isabelle Philip from the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition stated, “Yesterday, HB 1104, a bill to support the mental health of athletes was overwritten to ban trans youth from playing on their school’s sports team and from using the correct bathroom, endangering some of our most vulnerable young Georgians, alongside a slew of other anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions. No substantial notice was given for public comment, which was stacked with far-right extremists, a tactic to exclude us from deliberation that directly impacts us.”

Georgia Equality stated, “Extremists in the State Senate are trying to pass unpopular legislation through anti-democratic means… the majority of Georgians oppose discriminatory anti-LGBTQ policies, & tactics like these are a shameful attempt to silence that majority.”

Then, on Tuesday, House Bill 1104 came up for debate. Democrats delivered scathing criticism, while no Republican stood to speak in favor of the bill except for the bill’s sponsor. Democratic Senator Elena Parent rebuked Republicans for requiring sex education classes to have extensive notices filed before they would be allowed to occur, pointing out that the legislature itself rushed the bill through while skirting public notice and state-required deadlines:

“It is not particularly material to the policy, but it is extraordinarily galling nonetheless and indicative of the hubris that exists within this building, that this legislation requires two public hearings to be put on by the school board… they then have to publicly notice it at least two weeks before they adopt a sex ed curriculum… then they on lines 135-138 have to have the curricula be available and accessible for public comment for at least 45 days before approval of any sex education curricula. Well… this bill popped up in committee with no notice, no 45 days, no opportunity for review, no opportunity for public input, and it wasn’t even online by the time we were voting on it. It is outrageous that we are busy mandating these things for school boards across the state while behaving in the complete opposite way.”

Senator Josh McLaurin called the provisions weak and called out Republican claims of anti-trans poll numbers, stating, “what polls even worse than a perceived lack of fairness in these polls is being a bully.” Polls repeatedly show that most people support equality protections, would be motivated to vote against legislators who make anti-trans politics a major part of their platform, and consistently rank trans issues as one of the lowest priority issues they care about.

Despite no Republican speaking in favor of the bill, HB1104 passed on a party-line 33-21 vote:

Final vote on HB1104 in the Senate.

Georgia may be set to diverge from the trend observed in other states this year, where there has been a retreat from anti-trans legislation. For example, several bills were defeated in Florida targeting LGBTQ+ people, including several specifically targeting transgender individuals.

In West Virginia, dozens of proposed anti-LGBTQ+ bills met a similar fate. At the national level, during budget negotiations, Democrats were able to eliminate 50 anti-trans provisions. Other Southern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, appear to be advancing severe anti-trans legislation.

House Bill 1170 is still slated for a vote in the Senate. Should it pass, both it and HB1104 will go to the House for final concurrence, whereupon they will need the Governor’s signature for final passage into law.

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Erin Reed is a transgender woman (she/her pronouns) and researcher who tracks anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world and helps people become better advocates for their queer family, friends, colleagues, and community. Reed also is a social media consultant and public speaker.

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The preceding article was first published at Erin In The Morning and is republished with permission.

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New Hampshire

New Hampshire bill passes, bars trans kids from girls’ sports teams

“This bill targets a small group of student athletes claiming there is a categorical advantage when there is not”

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House Bill 1205 would require parents of students to produce a birth certificate to prove to school districts their child’s sex at birth before they could participate in a team sport. The bill was voted on during the March 21, 2024, session. (Ethan DeWitt/New Hampshire Bulletin)

By Ethan DeWitt | CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire House approved a bill to bar transgender girls from participating in female sports teams in K-12 schools and public colleges and universities, in a 189-182 vote that drew criticism from LGBTQ+ rights groups.

House Bill 1205 would require parents of students to produce a birth certificate to prove to school districts their child’s sex at birth before they could participate in a team sport. Those students whose birth certificate does not indicate their sex at birth would need to “provide other evidence” for it, according to the bill.

The bill would require all interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams that are sponsored by a school to label themselves according to binary genders. The teams would need to be labeled into three groups: “males,” “men,” or “boys”; “females,” “women,” or “girls”; and “coed” or “mixed.” Teams designated for “females,” “women,” or “girls” would not be allowed to accept people born biologically male.

Under the bill, a student who is aggrieved by a lack of compliance with the bill could bring legal action against the school and seek damages or injunctive relief from a court, in addition to attorney’s fees. The legislation would also bar any licensing or accrediting organization, athletic association, or government entity from “entertaining” a complaint against a school on the basis of separating teams by genders, opening an investigation, or taking adverse action. 

The bill would apply to grades 5 through 12. 

Supporters of the bill characterized it as a women’s rights issue, and argued that trans girls and women who are born biologically male can have an unfair physiological advantage over their cisgender peers. They said the bill would uphold the spirit of Title IX, which barred sex-based discrimination in educational programs, arguing that limiting sports to cisgender women would protect the purpose of female sports teams. 

But opponents denounced the bill as an attack on the rights of trans girls and women to participate in sports, and they said the bill would put schools in violation of Title IX, not in alignment with it.

“This bill targets a small group of student athletes claiming there is a categorical advantage when there is not,” said Rep. Alexis Simpson, an Exeter Democrat. 

Speaking to the House Thursday, Simpson raised privacy concerns around how students who don’t have applicable birth certificates could prove their biological gender. 

Simpson added that the bill could directly violate Title IX because it would bar boys from participating on girls teams, which is not allowed under Title IX. That could require schools to designate all girls teams as coed teams to avoid the potential for funding to be withdrawn, she said. 

And she said the bill would violate the federal law for a more basic reason: It would bar opportunities for trans students to access the sports team of their gender identity, and Title IX prohibits sex-based exclusion. 

“Title IX protects student athletes, ensuring they can participate in the sport at their school if it is offered, even if it’s not offered for their specific gender,” Simpson said. “Title IX is how girls were able to start participating in sports in the first place.”

Some rights groups, such as 603 Equality, Seacoast Outright, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, denounced the bill’s passage. 

“Today, the so-called ‘Live Free or Die’ state chose to exclude transgender girls from participating on girls sports teams, cruelly taking away opportunities to learn teamwork, improve mental health, and belong with other girls,” said Linds Jakows, founder of 603 Equality. 

But Republicans argued that trans girls would not be shut out from sports and would only need to join coed or boys’ teams.

Rep. Katy Peternel, a Wolfeboro Republican, said the bill was necessary because the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association had passed a policy that allows trans students to play on sports teams. Without the bill, there was no recourse to other girls who felt it was unfair.

Peternel argued that some girls could be cut from higher teams because they are displaced by trans girls, which could affect their ability to acquire scholarships in college.

“What about the girls whose self-esteem and mental health suffers because they can’t live out their true authentic selves?” Peternel said. “These girls work hard to train and practice only to have their dreams crushed by allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports.”

For Lane, a transgender woman who requested that her last name be omitted, competing in girls sports as a transgender girl was also important to living out her authentic self.

As a fifth grader, Lane was quickly enamored with soccer, following in the footsteps of her dad, who played it in college. “It’s sort of ingrained in my DNA,” she said in an interview with the Bulletin. “I just found so much joy in doing it.” 

Fifth grade was the first year Lane played soccer, at a private school in Maine. It was also the year she came out as a trans girl to her school. Her classmates and teachers were supportive, she said. And the girls’ soccer team welcomed her, too.

“I was accepted by everyone,” said Lane, who has since graduated high school. “I was seen as a girl. I went to the bathroom as a girl. … And it would be weird if there was an exception on the soccer field.”

Lane, who testified against HB 1205 earlier this year, said while she had an accepting environment growing up, other transgender students do not, and bills barring them from girls’ sports would only exacerbate that. If her school had prevented her from joining her girls’ team, she would not have played, she said.

“Sports are a huge part of upbringing,” she said. “They’re a huge part of growing up. Trans kids are kids and they shouldn’t be denied that experience because they’re trans.”

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Ethan DeWitt is the New Hampshire Bulletin’s education reporter. Previously, he worked as the New Hampshire State House reporter for the Concord Monitor, covering the state, the Legislature, and the New Hampshire presidential primary. A Westmoreland native, Ethan started his career as the politics and health care reporter at the Keene Sentinel.

Email: [email protected]

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The preceding article was previously published by the New Hampshire Bulletin and is republished with permission.

New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

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Pennsylvania

Book event preemptively cancelled at another Pennsylvania library

The event was planned as a fundraiser for the Quarryville Library after Fulton Township revoked its funding

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Quarryville Library Center at 357 Buck Rd in Quarryville serves all of Southern Lancaster County. (Photo Credit: Quarryville Library/Facebook)

QUARRYVILLE, Penn. – An April book reading in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania featuring author Kevin Naff, the editor of the Washington Blade, and Nick Benton, owner and editor of the Falls Church News-Press, was canceled this week following bomb threats targeting the Lancaster Public Library this past weekend.

A previously scheduled Drag Queen Story Hour event to be held Saturday morning at the Lancaster Public Library, and co-hosted by Lancaster Pride, was abruptly cancelled after a suspicious package and multiple bomb threats that investigators categorized as “additional written threats via email were made.” 

Lancaster Pride in a Facebook Post noted:

“Drag Story Hour with Miss Amie in collaboration with the Lancaster Public Library has been canceled. The safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance to us. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

Lissa Holland, the library’s executive director, told LancasterOnline that she was “really sad, very disappointed and angry” about the cancellation.

“The library should be a place of safety. … And as I’ve told people numerous times this week like every book in the library is not for every person, every program is maybe not for every person. But we don’t censor,” she said.

Naff was scheduled to read from his book, “How We Won the War for LGBTQ Equality — And How Our Enemies Could Take It All Away,” at a Lancaster-area library event moderated by Benton on April 18. A library official declined to comment on the cancellation.

“I am disappointed by the cancellation but it was the right call given the recent threats targeting the LGBTQ community in Lancaster,” said Naff. “MAGA Republicans must dial back their rhetoric and their attacks on our community; they are dangerous and draconian and will cost lives.”

related

The event was planned as a fundraiser for the Quarryville Library after Fulton Township revoked its funding because the library carries LGBTQ-themed books. 

“I think everyone is a little bit surprised. We are in a conservative area so everyone has their own beliefs but as the public library we are here to serve everyone,” interim director of the library Sarah Bower told WHTM News in November after the funding was canceled.

Johnny Weir, the Olympic figure skater and commentator, is from Quarryville and later donated $1,000 to the library. Weir was supporting Naff’s April 18 event and promoting it on social media. 

“It is a sad reality that fear generated by threats of violence that have escalated in the Trump era is stifling the public’s access to a free and open sharing of views, an outcome that is in absolutely no one’s best interest,” said Benton.  

Editor’s note: To donate to the Quarryville Library, visit: (Link

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