No matter their race or gender, every kid in Texas should have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams.
Yet, politicians at all levels of government are attacking LGBTQIA+ Texans. To date, Texas lawmakers have filed 205 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills — the highest number ever recorded in a legislative session.
Trans youth in Texas face discriminatory rules and censorship at school in addition to statewide anti-trans policies.
In the face of these attacks, building a robust support system is vital. Here are five resources to empower young trans Texans and the many people who love them:
1. Texas Trans Kids
The All in for Equality Coalition’s Texas Trans Kids website is a resource hub for trans youth and their communities. The site offers local resources, legal updates, a toolkit, and information on actions and events.
Finding local support networks can be essential and life-affirming. In The Cut, Noella, 13, she/her, talks about leading a support group: “We just hop on a Zoom call and play Among Us for two hours and chat, mostly about the game. It’s people in different parts of Illinois, and some of them don’t know any other trans kids. We talk about starting puberty-blockers, Trump, our legal rights, or just what it’s like telling friends and family about who we are. I get to hear their experiences, but I also like to help them go through things and play with them.”
2. Students' Rights Hub
Across the state, public school districts are adopting cruel and harmful anti-trans policies. Like all students, LGBTQIA+ youth just want to feel safe and accepted.
Forced outing policies, like the ones in Cy-Fair ISD and Katy ISD, put trans students at risk. Students should be able to disclose their gender identity and pronouns on their own terms.
Students: You do not lose your rights when you enter school grounds. If your school or school district is implementing unfair and discriminatory policies, you have rights. The ACLU of Texas’ Students’ Rights Hub is designed to help K-12 students, family members, educators, and advocates create inclusive schools where students are safe, supported, and treated with dignity. The hub contains information on students’ rights, book bans, dress codes, religious freedom, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
3. Mental Health Toolkit
Anti-trans policies have a real impact on the mental health of trans youth, their friends, and the people who care about them. Learning about mental health and taking care of ourselves is a critical part of advocacy work and being able to show up for each other. Equality Texas’ Mental Health Toolkit provides information for the loved ones of trans youth to recognize risk factors for and symptoms of mental health challenges in young people. The toolkit contains self-care strategies, mental health warning signs, advice for having difficult conversations, worksheets, and other useful resources.
The topics covered in this toolkit can be heavy and the material mentions suicide and self-injury. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Trevor Project (866-488-7386) or Trans Lifeline (877 565-8860) to speak with an expert.
4. Resources For Parents of Trans Kids
The Transgender Education Network of Texas offers an extensive resource guide with information and print-outs. TENT’s Family Resources Google Drive folder houses information on self-care, pronouns, and legal resources.
5. Get Involved
“I went to the trans-rights rally the other night,” says Winter, 15, she/her. (The Cut) “That was very nice: to feel how much support there is and stop thinking about the negativity and how much support there is for the other side.”
Trans youth belong in Texas. We will not let politicians abandon or erase trans Texans.
The 89th Texas Legislature is currently in session — making decisions that directly impact trans youth. There’s a lot at stake. Sign up to get timely updates and calls to action from policy experts at the ACLU of Texas.
Trans and nonbinary people have always existed and always will. Y’all means all in Texas — no matter our race, age, or gender.
