What’s behind the rise in anti-trans bills in the US?

The US has seen many state bills limiting transgender rights this year. Activists say everyone should be alarmed.

Demonstrators hold signs
Counter-protestors gather to demonstrate against an appearance by "Billboard Chris", who opposes medical treatments for transgender youth, outside Boston Children's Hospital in Massachusetts, the United States, on September 18, 2022 [Brian Snyder/Reuters]

Transgender people in the United States say they’re fighting for their rights – and their survival. Already this year, a record number of bills have been introduced by state lawmakers that target everything from gender-affirming care for youth and access to public spaces to drag performances. Advocates worry that this could lead to wider attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and personal freedoms.

In this episode: 

  • Chase Strangio (@ChaseStrangio), deputy director for Transgender Justice, American Civil Liberties Union
  • Eureka O’Hara (@EurekaOhara), drag queen and host of HBO’s We’re Here
  • Alex Petrovnia (@AlexPetrovnia), founder, Trans Formations Project

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Miranda Lin and Chloe K. Li with our host, Malika Bilal. Amy Walters and Alexandra Locke fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Adam Abou-Gad and Munera Al Dosari are our engagement producers. 

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Source: Al Jazeera

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