ans people make up less than one percent of the entire population of the United States. That translates to about 28 million people age 13 and older. They receive a disproportionate amount of vitriol from state and federal government. They are harassed and judged; violence is done to their person; they are mocked and disrespected.
So far, in 2026, 29 states have passed 126 bills and 125 have been signed into law. A total of 41 states are considering anti-transgender legislation with over 700 bills under consideration nationwide. They all target the trans community in some way. Recently Kansas recalled all the drivers’ licenses of trans people and will re-issue them conforming to the gender to which they were born.
In 2025, 896 anti-trans laws were introduced. Three states led the way in the number of bills targeting the trans community: Oklahoma 53 bills, Missouri 50 bills, Tennessee 40 bills.
The focus of most of the bills has to do with which bathrooms people use, the presence and participation of trans people in sports, limiting or eliminating gender-affirming care, and limiting legal recognition. In some states, it is a criminal offense for health care providers to offer age-appropriate trans medical care. In some states educators are prohibited from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation. Some legislation seeks to penalize teachers or counselors who support social transition, even making it a felony.
Anti-LGBTQI hate groups and legislators across the country have overridden the recommendations of the American medical establishment when it comes to transgender care. As a result, transgender youth experience significantly elevated rates of suicidality, with studies showing 71-78% reporting feelings of hopelessness and 25-30% attempting suicide in a 12 -month period. Transgender, non-binary and gender expansive teens are more than five times more likely to screen positive for suicide risk compared to their cis-gender peers.
Transgender adults have disproportionately high rates of suicidality compared to the general population. Studies show 32% to 50% lifetime suicide attempt rates in comparison to the cis-gender population. Intense stigma, discrimination, family rejection, religious hatred, access to gender affirming medical care are the root cause.
In short, there is a nationwide effort to erase the presence of the trans community. Removing the terms “transgender identity” and “sexual orientation” from all federal regulations effectively eliminate legal protections against discrimination. By defining gender in strictly binary terms, male and female, the trans and non-binary community is effectively erased. The normalization of hateful rhetoric and the removal of legal protections increase the risk of physical violence and hate crimes against the transgender community, especially transgender women of color.
We know from history where this ends. Nazi Germany systematically persecuted the LGBTQ population as a threat to the German race and “traditional” gender roles. Between 1933-1945, an estimated 100, 000 men were arrested with 5,000-6,000 imprisoned in concentration camps, where as many as 60% died.
It is frightening to think that concentration camps in Germany didn’t start with Jews, but with the LGBTQ community. It was a convenient target that trafficked in the general population’s homophobia. The same dynamic is at work in the United States. The White Cristian Nationalists stoke a narrative that the LGBTQ community is dangerous to children and family values and must be stopped. This is furthered in conservative news media, and as a result the White Christian Nationalists and the conservative media feed off each other.
What is most troubling is the largely silent Christian church. The belief that every person is created in the image of God and is loved by God unconditionally is strangely absent from public discourse. We all know the loudest voice wins. The LGBTQIA+ community needs a strong Christian witness that pushes back against the dominant narrative. The voice of compassionate cis-gender allies is desperately needed.
Here’s what you can do:
- Find out what legislation has been filed in your state. Write to your legislators to oppose any anti LGBTQ+ legislation. Write to the legislators who filed the legislation and set forth your position.
- Write letters to the editor of your local newspapers educating the public on pending anti LGBTQI+ legislation.
- Encourage your church, your pastor and your friends to care about this issue.
- Educate yourself about transgender identity and counter anti-trans talk when you hear it. Passing comments betray beliefs.
- Educate yourself about social reality and be prepared to counter anti LGBTQIA+ hyperbole.
- Grow your own faith response and be prepared to articulate it.
- Encourage your church to host an LGBTQIA+ coffee house or gathering space. Don’t underestimate the power of a safe space for people to meet.
The words of Martin Niemoller are pertinent:
First they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
then they came for the Socialists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a socialist.
then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
then they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew.
then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak for me.
First they came for the LGBTQIA+ community
and I did not speak out because I was not LGBTQIA+.
It goes on from there. At some point it will be you.
Now is the time to speak.
Sources
Human Rights Commission
American Civil Liberties Union
Williams Institute
Anti Trans Bill Tracker
TheFlax.org
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
The Irreverent Reverend 