At least 19 states to offer refuge to trans youth and families amid anti-LGBTQ legislation wave

Several states introduced bills that would criminalize gender-affirming care. Now, 19 states aim to offer refuge to trans youth and their families.

At least 19 states plan to offer legal refuge to transgender youth and their families displaced by anti-LGBTQ legislation that criminalizes the families and physicians of trans children.

“When trans kids’ lives are on the line, playing defense doesn’t cut it. It’s time to play offense," said Annise Parker, president and CEO of LGBTQ advocacy group Victory Institute.

She went on, "We are using the collective power of LGBTQ state legislators all across the nation to launch a counter-offensive that aims to protect trans kids and parents while also demonstrating that there is a positive agenda for trans people that lawmakers can support."

Lawmakers in states like Texas, Louisiana, Arizona and Alabama have proposed bills criminalizing gender-affirming transgender care.