Transgender individuals in Louisiana have been closely observing neighboring states in the conservative South as they enact a series of laws that directly impact their lives. Throughout this time, they have relied on the support of the governor to maintain a safe haven within their home state.
Former Governor John Bel Edwards, who was the only Democrat in a statewide elected position at the time, successfully thwarted the majority of these bills.
This year, there are no obstacles in the way. Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican supported by former President Donald Trump, has replaced Edwards and has expressed his support for such legislation. With a two-thirds supermajority in the Legislature, the GOP now has a clear path to push forward previously introduced bills that are unfriendly towards transgender individuals, as well as new proposals.
SarahJane Guidry, executive director of the LGBTQ rights group Forum for Equality, expressed her strong conviction that these bills will indeed become law. She emphasized the tragic implications of this development but remained resolute in her determination to persist in the fight for LGBTQ rights.
During his time as the sole Democratic governor in the Deep South, Edwards effectively utilized his veto power to prevent the enactment of discriminatory legislation targeting transgender individuals. One such example is a bill commonly referred to as “Don’t Say Gay,” which sought to prohibit teachers from addressing topics related to gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. Additionally, Edwards blocked a measure that would have mandated public school teachers to use the pronouns and names assigned to students at birth.
Louisiana Governor Edwards expressed his opposition to the bills through a veto message, where he characterized them as discriminatory, extremist, and detrimental to a particularly vulnerable group of children in the state.
Despite his efforts, he couldn’t prevent the Legislature from overriding his veto on a ban prohibiting gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Moreover, he initially blocked a bill in 2021 that aimed to limit transgender athletes’ participation in sports but eventually allowed it to become law the following year, understanding that a veto would likely be overturned.
Now that Edwards has left office due to term limits, the Republican-controlled Legislature is making progress with the “Don’t Say Gay” and pronoun and name proposals. These proposals aim to establish definitions of male and female that may potentially lead to the legal erasure of transgender individuals. Additionally, there are proposed restrictions on the use of bathrooms and changing rooms in schools, domestic violence shelters, and prisons. The Biden administration has expressed concern that a new federal rule may conflict with these bathroom restrictions.
The situation in Louisiana reflects a larger trend of nationwide bills that have been aimed at transgender individuals, particularly young people, in recent years. Some experts believe that this movement is more about mobilizing conservative voters than actually addressing any meaningful issues.
According to a report published on Tuesday by the Williams Institute, a research center at UCLA Law, approximately 280,000 transgender youths between the ages of 13 and 17, which accounts for about 93% of this demographic, reside in states that have either proposed or enacted laws that limit their access to healthcare, sports, school bathrooms and facilities, as well as the use of gender-affirming pronouns.
According to the institute’s estimation, approximately 4,000 individuals between the ages of 13 and 17 in Louisiana, which accounts for 1.3% of that age group, identify as transgender.
Landry’s office did not provide a comment in response to an email regarding this year’s legislation. However, he has been openly supportive of various measures, including limitations on gender-affirming care for minors. In 2023, during his gubernatorial campaign, he expressed his stance on X by stating, “As attorney general for 8 years, I have diligently worked towards safeguarding our children. I strongly urge the full Senate to consider and approve” the law. Eventually, the law was passed, vetoed, and subsequently overridden.
Advocates in Louisiana are actively organizing their fight against the impending laws. They are taking inspiration from other states that have successfully blocked similar measures in court. Additionally, they are diligently educating their communities about the potential impact of these laws. The advocates are also working towards implementing sanctuary city policies and rallying more residents to join their cause.
Guidry expressed his belief that instead of focusing on an apocalypse, the world should turn its attention to a revolution.
Advocates are urging the city council in the progressive city of New Orleans to establish local safeguards for transgender individuals, including the non-enforcement of state laws that specifically target them. This move follows in the footsteps of cities like Austin, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri, who have already implemented similar measures, although the extent of their effectiveness remains uncertain.
In the bustling streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, a powerful sight unfolded last month as hundreds of individuals marched together in solidarity. Their purpose? To raise awareness and fight for the rights of transgender residents. The strong voices of these individuals continued to resonate even beyond the streets, as they testified in the Capitol, sharing their personal stories and experiences. Despite the challenges faced, advocates tirelessly work alongside conservative lawmakers, seeking common ground and striving to create amendments that would soften the impact of the legislation. In Baton Rouge, students took center stage on the Capitol steps, bravely performing a play they had written themselves, shedding light on the profound implications these bills would have on their lives.
“It feels like we’ve entered the Twilight Zone,” remarked William Leighton, who made a four-hour journey to the Capitol this month alongside his 13-year-old transgender daughter, Arielle, who, unfortunately, couldn’t participate in the play.”
“It’s just not fair. I really dislike how people like me are facing discrimination simply because we’re different,” expressed Arielle, an eighth-grade student.
William Leighton had already drafted a letter to Arielle’s teachers, giving them permission to use her preferred name and pronouns. However, he realized that simply sending the letter was not sufficient and felt the need to become more politically involved.
Recently, he won a seat on the state’s Democratic State Central Committee. His main goals include increasing Democratic voter turnout and identifying potential candidates who would actively work towards repealing legislation that adversely affects transgender and other LGBTQ individuals if elected to the Legislature.
Advocates in Louisiana, like their counterparts in the South and other regions, will also turn to the courts for guidance and to prevent the implementation of certain legislation.
According to The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate, a lawsuit has been filed by five transgender youths and their families challenging the state’s ban on gender-affirming medical care. The case is currently pending in Orleans Parish Civil Court.
Guidry affirmed that they are willing to explore all options when it comes to ensuring the safety of their students. They are ready to take necessary actions, including legal measures, if needed.
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