Transgender rights targeted in twice as many bills this year as in 2015

[stephaniec]

Transgender rights targeted in twice as many bills this year as in 2015

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/02/transgender-rights-targeted-in-twice-as-many-bills-so-far-this-year-as-in-2015/

LGBTQ Nation/By Tim Murphy    Tuesday, February 23, 2016

"State lawmakers have gone after transgender rights in twice as many bills so far this year as in all of 2015, a new Human Rights Campaign study finds, as reported by The Guardian. Half of those bills are aimed at children."

[Dayta]

It still seems like there are more positive stories overall than negative ones.  I know that the gains in LGBTQ rights have tended to stiffen the opposition, but in the numbers game I still think that good will ultimately win out.  At least in the US. If Cruz doesn't win. 

[suzifrommd]

This really brings me down. I'm used to being in the crosshairs, but there is a big difference between being the object of hate and have actually laws passed against my existence.

[itsApril]

Expect more, and also expect a whole raft of state initiative measures to be put on the November ballot.  This is similar to 2004, when it was part of a national Republican campaign strategy to place initiatives against same-sex marriage on state ballots across the country to mobilize the right-wing base.  While the Party wanted the measures to pass on their own "merits," the purpose went beyond that.  By engaging and mobilizing the bigotry of their base, they maximized turnout to ensure that George Bush was re-elected as President.

The strategy is now being repeated, substituting transgender-bashing for the anti-same-sex-marriage issue.  Transgender folks are a convenient political punching bag, and it's going to get worse before it gets better.

[stephaniec]

This really brings me down. I'm used to being in the crosshairs, but there is a big difference between being the object of hate and have actually laws passed against my existence.

well, one way would be to get the estimated 700000 to unite into a political force.

[Tessa James]

Expect more, and also expect a whole raft of state initiative measures to be put on the November ballot.  This is similar to 2004, when it was part of a national Republican campaign strategy to place initiatives against same-sex marriage on state ballots across the country to mobilize the right-wing base.  While the Party wanted the measures to pass on their own "merits," the purpose went beyond that.  By engaging and mobilizing the bigotry of their base, they maximized turnout to ensure that George Bush was re-elected as President.

The strategy is now being repeated, substituting transgender-bashing for the anti-same-sex-marriage issue.  Transgender folks are a convenient political punching bag, and it's going to get worse before it gets better.

I fear you are correct and this cynical abuse of fearful, low information voters is seemingly now the norm.  We roll up our sleeves and get back out there educating people everyday.  I called the South Dakota governors office and talked with his staff.  And bless her heart, Caitlyn Jenner lent her support too.  We can face this down and love will win again.