Louisiana is facing a wave of legislation targeting transgender people with the recent replacement of former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards, who used vetoes to block anti-transgender bills, with Republican Governor Jeff Landry. Observers predict that bills hostile to transgender individuals will now have a clear path forward in the Republican-controlled Legislature. These bills include measures like the “Don’t Say Gay” policy, restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, and limitations on bathroom and changing room access in schools, domestic violence shelters, and prisons. President Joe Biden’s administration has indicated that these bathroom restrictions could clash with a new federal rule.
Advocates are organizing to fight against these discriminatory laws, looking to other states that have blocked similar measures in court and seeking sanctuary city policies in cities like New Orleans. They aim to educate their communities on the potential impact of the imminent laws and recruit more residents to their cause. Students have taken to the Capitol steps to perform plays based on their own experiences and advocate for their rights. William Leighton, a parent of a transgender child, has become politically active, recently being elected to the state’s Democratic State Central Committee.
Despite the challenges faced by transgender individuals in Louisiana, advocates remain committed to their cause and are prepared to take legal action if necessary. A lawsuit has already been filed by five transgender youths and their families against the state’s ban on gender-affirming medical care, with the suit pending in Orleans Parish Civil Court. With the support of advocates, transgender residents continue to testify in the Capitol and march in the streets to raise awareness about the impact of discriminatory legislation. The fight for transgender rights in Louisiana is far from over, as advocates vow to continue their efforts to protect vulnerable members of their community.
