STATE LEVEL RESEARCH & ADVOCACY

In the face of escalating threats to gender-affirming care nationwide, L4GG has fought for the right to bodily autonomy and self-determination. Our policy team has conducted research, such as our comprehensive report on attacks against transgender health, which offers a deep dive into the current threat to gender-affirming care.

In collaboration with National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Trans Formations Project, L4GG co-authored a report titled “Lives on the Line: The Escalating Attacks on Trans, Non-Binary, Two-Spirit and Intersex People’s Health” about the wave of anti-trans policies that are sweeping the nation. The report finds that transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and two-spirit people — and especially transgender youth — face vicious, highly politicized, rapidly escalating and cunningly strategic attacks on their right to exist that fly in the face of federal and international law, and includes state-specific findings about these attacks.

Furthermore, through rigorous state-level advocacy, we actively work in partnership with affected communities to defend these rights against encroachment. Last year, our policy team’s efforts contributed to two significant “shield law” wins in Maryland and New York:

• MARYLAND, MAY 4, 2023: Thanks to dedicated advocacy from L4GG, Governor Wes Moore signed an Executive Order that  protects against the encroaching threats faced by transgender individuals, especially in states like Florida and Texas. Not only does this order shield dedicated doctors providing care to transgender individuals, but it also safeguards personal medical information against invasive investigations. Governor Moore's actions, with input and guidance from L4GG and partners like the National Center for Transgender Equality, have solidified Maryland as a haven of rights, marking it the 9th state to robustly protect gender-affirming care.

• NEW YORK, JUNE 25, 2023: A year after the Dobbs decision and with L4GG helping to lead advocacy, New York passed legislation that empowers providers with telehealth reproductive healthcare capabilities, while also giving them legal protection against restrictive out-of-state laws. Furthermore, the state has put its foot down against any discrimination based on gender-affirming care decisions, prioritized addiction services tailored to gender identity and expression, and moved toward a more inclusive language in its legal lexicon.

Reproductive rights and health equity Press

Reproductive rights and health equity blog posts