Kentucky enacts extreme Anti-Trans Bill, but LGBTQ+ community continues to fight back

Kentucky has passed one of the most extreme anti-trans bills in the US, which bans gender-affirming medical care for trans-under-18s, requires doctors to detransition minors currently receiving care, prohibits conversations around sexual orientation or gender identity in schools, and allows teachers to refuse to use a student’s correct pronouns.

Despite the efforts of LGBTQ+ activists and allies who showed up to the state capitol to convince state lawmakers to let the veto stand, the Republican-dominated legislature voted overwhelmingly to override the Democratic governor’s veto of the bill.

The ACLU of Kentucky has denounced the passage of the bill as “another shameful attack on LGBTQ youth,” and vowed to fight for the trans youth who may be affected by this legislation. The LGBTQ+ community in Kentucky is ready to fight back, as the state continues to wage war on the community with a full slate of restrictive legislation, including a bill that would prohibit public drag performances.

Kentucky is not alone in its efforts to diminish and regulate the lives of trans youth in the US, as at least 10 other states have passed similar bans on gender-affirming healthcare for trans young people. These bans go against the countless studies showing that gender-affirming care is life-saving and has been endorsed by major medical associations as safe and effective.

This year alone has seen over 470 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the US, a record-breaking number. These proposed bills range from trans bathroom bans and sports bans to drag bans and ‘Don’t Say Gay or Trans’ bills.

Despite the oppressive tactics of Republican lawmakers, the LGBTQ+ community is no stranger to a fight and is ready to organize, protest, and march for their rights, as they have won this fight before and can win it again.