Queer Texas Crisis Fund Announcement

Contact:  Johnathan Gooch | johnathan.gooch@equalitytexas.org

                          

DALLAS, TX  – May 31, 2022 –  Texas Pride Impact Funds (TPIF) in partnership with Equality Texas Foundation announce that $42,000 of rapid response funding is being distributed to grassroots nonprofits serving trans individuals, their families, and communities. We’re grateful for the support of Gucci, Pure for Men, and TENT who helped make these community-focused grants possible. The partnership is also launching the Queer Texas Crisis Fund (QTCF) 2022 fundraising campaign commencing with the start of Pride Month.

The politically driven attempts to ban lifesaving, affirming health care for trans youth  including the recent DFPS investigations of trans kids and their loving  families have resulted in severe, life-threatening consequences.  Trans-supportive organizations across Texas have seen: 

(1) increased demand for mental health services for trans kids and parents alike; (2) skyrocketing requests of gender marker and name correction services; and (3) parents retreating from trusted online support groups in this climate of parental investigations; and (4) new financial burdens on families for legal defense and the cost of maintaining lifesaving care at significant distances from home.

In response to these accelerating, political attacks on trans youth and their parents, TPIF’s Pride Month activities will focus on honoring people of transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer experience.  The initiative is intended to bring desperately needed resources to small non-profit organizations already working, with minimal resources, and now experiencing compounding duress due to the reckless, politically driven assaults.

“Age-appropriate and individualized medical treatments for trans youth are supported by the state and nation’s largest physicians’ groups including the American and Texas Medical Associations,” said TPIF Executive Director Ron Guillard. “These organizations also oppose Texas’ abuse investigations and other efforts to block or alter gender-affirming care for minors. Sadly, this is just another example of the pattern of some Texas government leaders continuing to deny science, claiming false narratives for political gain. With our Pride Month QTCF 2022 fundraising we are committed to face the urgency to deliver more support to families of trans youth and the non-profits supporting them, and to build a stronger and mightier ecosystem of actors working on LGBTQ+ equality in Texas.”

“Since 2021, anti-LGBTQ+ politicians, including the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general have been laying the groundwork to turn Texans against their LGBTQ+ neighbors. They have found it politically advantageous to spread lies about and villainize LGBTQ+ people—especially transgender people. As a result of this sustained fear-mongering we have seen a marked increase in bias and discrimination across the state that has had serious consequences for LGBTQ+ Texans’ sense of safety and well-being. Grassroots organizations across Texas are providing critical resources that we are happy to support,” said Equality Texas CEO Ricardo Martinez.

QTCF originally launched in the summer of 2020 as an innovative partnership between the two organizations to raise money during the COVID-19 pandemic to support LGBTQ+ serving nonprofit organizations providing emergency relief to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. This unique partnership brings together complementary strengths of the two organizations and their collective access to resources. 

“With Equality Texas, we have high hopes for QTCF 2022 fundraising based on donation patterns and donor activism over the past two months. A February Twitter post singling out TPIF’s work in support of the trans community across Texas resulted in a cycle of donations from around the globe. A generous contribution by the Laughing Gull Foundation, Durham NC, to TPIF for our rapid response support of Texas organizations in crisis because of our governor’s and attorney general’s actions cemented our commitment to launch the rapid response awards and follow-on QTCF 2022 fundraising. As a community foundation, Texas Pride Impact Funds is eager to leverage our influence and networks to access more resources, whether given to us for regranting initiatives or where we recommend direct funding needs, as we continually strive to stay abreast of – and help meet – the greatest needs in the LGBTQ+ communities across our large state.”

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About Texas Pride Impact Funds

The Mission of TPIF is to inspire giving and investment to secure equitable opportunities that serve and enrich the lives of LGBTQ+ Texans for generations to come. TPIF was chartered in 2015 as the first LGBTQ+ statewide foundation for Texas. The organization operates under fiscal sponsorship of the Dallas Foundation, a 501(c)(3), publicly supported charity, Federal Tax ID 75-2890371. The Dallas Foundation provides TPIF investment management and other administrative services, helping TPIF leaders and volunteers focus on community and donor engagement.

In November 2018, TPIF launched its annual Community Grants program, awarding $120,000 to sixteen LGBTQ+ supportive organizations across Texas; to date a total of $850,000 grants have been awarded (through March 2022). TPIF prioritizes organizations and projects that address the current and direct needs of LGBTQ+ communities while also seeking to correct the systemic injustices that unfairly burden people living within these identities and at their intersections. TPIF is supported by a growing donor community of individuals and families, corporations, and institutional donors.

About Equality Texas

Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration. The Equality Texas Foundation works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through education, community organizing, and collaboration.

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Equality Texas Endorses Venton Jones in May 24 Dallas Democratic Primary Runoff

May 20, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

Contact: Johnathan Gooch, Equality Texas,  johnathan.gooch@equalitytexas.org 

Austin, Texas – May 20th, 2022 – Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for LGBTQ+ Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration, today endorsed Democratic Texas House Candidate Venton Jones for the May 24th primary runoff election.

“It is critically important that Equality Texans turn out en masse to vote on May 24th to ensure that we select politicians who will focus on platforms that address the needs of their communities rather than stoking fear to turn us against each other. Venton is a tireless advocate working to improve healthcare access, fighting for marginalized communities, and protecting voting rights for all Texans. We are confident he will continue this work for House District 100 when elected. Venton would also represent a number of historic firsts.  When elected, he will become the first out Black gay man openly living with HIV elected to the Texas House of Representatives and a welcome addition to the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, House District 100, and the state of Texas will greatly benefit from his leadership,” said Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas.

“I represent a new generation of leaders committed to advancing equity and justice through experience, public policy, and organizing diverse communities. I will focus my energy on what is most important – the people of House District 100 and working to earn their trust, support and vote. Across our races, backgrounds, we want to be treated with dignity and respect. We all have a role to play in fostering a district where each one of us has the freedom to be ourselves, pursue our dreams, and have a good life—no exceptions” said Venton Jones, Democratic candidate for Texas House 100 in Dallas.

Early voting for the runoff election will end tomorrow, Friday, May 20. Tuesday, May 24 is Election Day. Voters will need to bring a valid photo ID when they head to the polling sites to vote. Election Day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 24. As long as you are in line before 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.

DART will be offering free transportation on election day and no proof of voter registration is required. Riders can use the promo code VOTE22 when checking out in the GoPass app for a complimentary Adult Local Day Pass. V Absentee and mail-in ballots must be postmarked or delivered by hand by 7pm.

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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.

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Statement on SCOTX Decision on Gov. Abbott’s directive to Department of Family and Protective Services

May 13, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

For Immediate Release: All in For Equality Coalition Responds to Texas Supreme Court Decision on Gov. Abbott’s directive to Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate trans kids and their loving parents

Contact: Johnathan Gooch, Equality Texas, johnathan.gooch@equalitytexas.org

May 13, 2022 – AUSTIN, TEXAS Today the Texas Supreme Court weighed in on Gov. Abbott’s directive to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to investigate parents that provide life-saving gender-affirming care to their children. The court was considering an appellate court’s decision to affirm an injunction that prevents DFPS from investigating the families of trans kids. That injunction prevented DFPS or the Governor from investigating families. Today, Texas’ highest court said that the Governor does not have the authority to investigate families or to direct DFPS to do so. While the court’s ruling narrows the scope of the injunction, it unequivocally states that the Governor was acting beyond the scope of his authority.

The Court narrowed the injunction on a technicality—the appeals court was only allowed to consider the potential harm to the plaintiffs, not the harm to all families in Texas. Therefore, the family involved in this dispute and Dr. Megan Mooney will remain protected under the injunction finding that DFPS’s actions were unlawful and caused irreparable harm. It would be unconscionable for DFPS to resume investigations. The Governor’s Directive is not the law and DFPS is not obligated to follow it.

Political leaders in our state, like Abbott and Paxton, have continuously focused on falsely stoking fear, and trying to criminalize transgender young people and their families. It is indefensible for any state leader to weaponize the child welfare system. Loving families belong together; providing life-saving care, recognized by every major medical association, is the epitome of love. Transgender youth deserve to be happy, safe, and—most importantly—alive.

The Court today ruled that the Governor cannot play politics with DFPS. The Governor’s misinformed and malicious opinions do not change DFPS’s mandate. Our coalition of organizations fighting for LGBTQ+ equality calls upon DFPS to end the investigations into trans kids and their families. We trust families and their doctors to make the best decisions about their children’s health care. Trans youth belong here in the state they call home, to live authentically as who they are, and have the right to bodily autonomy. The parents that protect and support them deserve to be celebrated not investigated. 

 

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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.

The Transgender Education Network of Texas is the largest statewide, BIPOC trans-led, trans-focused policy, education, and advocacy organization in the state of Texas.

Founded in 1995, the Texas Freedom Network is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization of more than 150,000 religious and community leaders who support religious freedom, individual liberties and public education.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas is the leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State. Since our formation in 1938, we have worked in the courts, the legislature, and through public education to protect civil rights and individual liberty.

Lambda Legal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community.

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to end discrimination and achieve equality for transgender people, particularly those in our most vulnerable communities.

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Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is loud. We’re louder.

April 8, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

The anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has been loud lately. For the past few weeks some state leaders have taken every opportunity to paint the LGBTQ+ community as a threat, committing publicly to policies they will champion through the next legislative session.

Contributing to the noise 

This week alone the Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick, pledged to extend the harmful anti-transgender sports ban to the collegiate level and bring Florida’s notorious “Don’t say gay/trans” bill to Texas. These comments were on the heels of Attorney General Paxton purposely misinterpreting state law to baselessly threaten pharmaceutical companies and Austin ISD’s Pride Week.

None of these threats hold the weight of law. But they’re also more than empty rhetoric.

For LGBTQ+ Texans who just want to live, work, and contribute to their communities in peace the constant chatter about potential attacks is exhausting. On top of that, all the noise creates confusion about what is and isn’t current law, feeding into a climate of fear where teachers don’t know if they can affirm their LGBTQ+ students, trans Texans are terrified they won’t have access to healthcare, healthcare providers are scared of providing life-saving care to trans patients, and kids are afraid to be themselves.

Beneath the noise, our community experiences real harm. We know that banning books, or targeting students based on race, genders, or religion has a direct impact on the bullying, harassment, and violence we see in our communities. We’re continuing to receive reports of kids being bullied and patients refused care just because of who they are. Our focus has to be on our community and how we can support them. Movement towards change can be slow, but it’s far more lasting than the media cycle our state leaders are playing to.

We’re making an intentional investment in grassroots organizing and electing pro-equality candidates this year. Help us gear up for 2023 by participating in organizing events across the state. 

The Continued Legal Fight

The injunction pausing CPS investigations into loving families with transgender children is still awaiting review at the Texas Supreme Court. At stake is whether or not the injunction will continue throughout the course of the original lawsuit against the Governor’s directive to the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS).

The injunction is crucial to avoiding irreparable harm to Texas transgender kids and those who love them through baseless investigations. Equality Texas, TENT, and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund have filed an amicus, or “friend of the court” brief elevating stories about how the Governor’s directive has already harmed families across the state. Sharing these stories with the public creates windows into the lives of families that could be any family, just trying to do what’s best for their children.

Making Change

Storytelling and visibility make change. Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) was last week and our community showed up for each other in a big way. Hundreds of Texans gathered on the Capitol steps at a rally last Saturday hosted by the All in for Equality Coalition made up of Equality Texas, the Texas Freedom Network, the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), ACLU of Texas and Lambda Legal.

Over 200 community members and healthcare professionals showed up at a recent protest against UT Southwestern’s decision to limit medically necessary, life-saving care for transgender youth.

These events weren’t in isolation. Texans truly embodied this TDOV as a day of joy, recognition, and power all across a state that seeks to silence us.

We will continue to gather, make noise, and fight back against the rhetoric, the policies, and the culture of fear created by some politicians in an effort to hold onto power.

Become a volunteer today. Only by doing the work can we change the hearts and minds of our state.

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Statement on the historic confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

April 7, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

Statement from Ricardo Martinez, CEO Equality Texas

Equality Texas celebrates the historic, bi-partisan confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court, the first Black woman to serve in the 233-year history of the Court. The Harvard Law School graduate and long time federal judge was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court today by a 53–47 vote. 

In addition to being the first Black woman, Judge Jackson will be the first former public defender to serve on the nation’s highest Court—bringing a valuable perspective on the true impact of the Court’s precedents. Judge Jackson is a brilliant legal mind with impressive qualifications and sound judicial temperament. We celebrate her historic nomination and believe the U.S. Supreme Court will be better with her voice on the highest Court.

At a time when the rights of LGBTQ+ people are at stake across the country, it’s more important than ever to have a #JusticeForAll on the Supreme Court. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is that person.

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AG Paxton’s ongoing disinformation and more

March 28, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

It’s hard to read the news these days without learning about yet another attack on the LGBTQ+ community. Between AG Paxton’s ongoing cruelty and disinformation, the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation coming out of other states, and the constant attacks on inclusive schools, it can be overwhelming.

But there are so many bright lights cutting through the darkness. Community, allies, and even folks who are just learning about our issues are fighting back on every front.

Lambda Legal and ACLU of Texas Continue the Fight Against Directive to DFPS

It’s been roughly a month since Governor Abbott directed the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) to investigate loving families of transgender kids in accordance with AG Paxton’s non-binding opinion. On March 11 a Judge granted a temporary injunction halting Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations into families for providing best-practice life-saving healthcare for their kids. AG Paxton immediately appealed the injunction, injecting fear and confusion about whether investigations would continue.

On Monday, March 21, an appeals court reaffirmed the temporary injunction in order to prevent “irreparable harm” as the original case makes its way through the courts. This is Paxton’s second lost appeal regarding the injunction and last Wednesday, March 25, Paxton again baselessly appealed the injunction decision to the Texas Supreme Court.

To be clear — what AG Paxton is so relentlessly fighting against in these appeals is — a temporary pause in the investigations that terrorize children and families despite two rulings that continuing the investigations could cause “irreparable harm.” Jane Doe’s case will still have to go through the courts for them to decide whether or not the state went beyond its powers in directing DFPS to investigate families for providing necessary affirming healthcare for their kids.

Meanwhile, Paxton has moved forward on two more baseless actions deliberately misinterpreting state law to create fear and confusion for LGBTQ+ Texans. Last Thursday, he moved forward with an investigation of two pharmaceutical companies that manufacture medication involved in best-practice care for transgender kids for “deceptive trade practices.” He also recently accused Austin ISD of breaking Texas law by hosting “Pride Week,” a week full of activities to celebrate LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families and to highlight the district’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

Neither of these actions have the weight of law behind them. They are simply an extension of AG Paxton’s determined crusade to abuse the power of his office in pursuit of demonizing the LGBTQ+ community for political points.

These moves are cruel political theater that create a climate of fear and put kids in danger. Even though these actions don’t have the weight of law, confusion and disinformation are tools of oppression and cause immense harm. It’s crystal clear that AG Paxton’s actions are not rooted in the safety or well-being of the kids involved.

We’ll keep applying pressure to DFPS to remind them of their sacred duty to care for the children of Texas. Stay up to date on the latest opportunities to get involved here.

“Teach the Truth” Campaign Launch

This week we joined the Texas Freedom Network’s coalition to “Teach the Truth” to combat education censorship. Every child deserves an accurate, honest education regardless of their race, class, genders, or background. Through this statewide coalition, we’re providing the resources so folks can fight back against book and curriculum censorship in their communities.

Join our upcoming webinar on the censorship of LGBTQ+ identities on April 7 and hear directly from the student activists who are fighting back.

Combating Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks from All Angles

Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness, is next Thursday March 31. To have a day committed to joy and accomplishment in the midst of the onslaught of attacks is so important and powerful. Please support folks at these community events.

Modeling Political Courage 

This week two Republican Governors vetoed anti-trans sports bans in Utah and Indiana, showing political courage to support what is right despite extreme pressure. The Governor of Utah’s words were especially resonant as he wrote, “Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live.”

The work we collectively do is so important and has the capacity to truly change hearts and minds all over the country. Thank you for being a part of it.

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Actions of our state leaders have created a chilling effect across the state

February 25, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

It’s been a rough week in Texas for transgender kids, adults and those of us who love them. Earlier this week Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott threatened to insert themselves into the doctor’s office of every Texas transgender youth — to deny them access to life-saving care – simply for political gain.

Fortunately, their reckless actions and opinions are not legally binding and cannot change the law. Loving your kid for who they are and providing medically necessary, life-saving healthcare is parenting at its best and cannot be considered child abuse.

This scare tactic from Texas leaders sent ripples all over the country where folks took to social media with an incredible outpouring of love and support for transgender youth. It filled our hearts and our cups to see everyone pull together and fight back against the dangerous disinformation spread by the Governor and AG Paxton.

While not changing law, the actions of our state leaders have created a chilling effect across the state. In Texas, everyone is charged with being a mandatory reporter, or someone who faces penalties if they suspect a child is being abused but do not make a report. This is especially true for teachers, doctors, counselors, and social workers who all receive training on their duty to report abuse. The confusion over the AG’s opinion and Governor’s letter has led to a state of fear, both for families terrified of false reports about their parenting and for allied mandatory reports who fear consequences if they don’t comply. 

 

If you or someone you know is faced with a false report to CPS contact us at info@equalitytexas.org and reach out to Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Texas for legal help.

 

That’s why it’s so important to remember that the AG and Governor’s actions have not changed current law, and that the best practice standards of care endorsed by every major medical association are not “abuse.” That means that there is nothing for mandatory reporters to report. 

Help us spread the word and take the power back. Join us Monday, February 28 for a webinar explaining recent events and hear from legal voices, social workers, and teachers about what you can do to help. Register here to attend.

You can also educate your friends and family with the points below, and send a message to rachel.hill@equalitytexas.org if you have a group who would like a briefing on what’s happened.

 

Facts about the AG’s recent opinion:

Donate now to help us educate the public. There is immense power in knowledge and the more people we can reach, the more we can reduce the harm these state leaders have caused.

 

School Censorship

As state leaders are striking fear into the hearts of everyday Texans, grassroots vigilante groups are continuing their crusade of censorship in schools. Over the past two weeks we’ve received 10 new reports of school districts and public libraries taking books off shelves in cities like McKinney, Eanes, and Coppell.

Students are fighting back. They know that a public school education is meant to help them prepare for their futures by teaching critical thinking and that some politicians cannot make a whole range of ideals illegal just because they don’t like them.

Follow the amazing work being done by students across the state. In Katy, students are distributing books, voter registration information, and mental health resources during the Katy ISD FReadom week. In Leander, students have created a banned book club, working their way through the books that have disappeared, turning the attempts at censorship into robust educational discussion. These stories inspire us every day with their courage, determination, and Texas grit in the face of those who want to silence them.

To report an incident occurring near you please email info@equalitytexas.org

 

Elections

The Texas primary election day is this Tuesday, March 1. Make a plan to vote and encourage your friends. We have the power to hold our leaders accountable, especially when they use our community as political pawns.

Make sure they know that scare tactics against transgender kids is not acceptable and not politically beneficial.

We’re launching an unprecedented effort to TurnOUT for Texas and get out the vote for 2022. Donate now to support regional GOTV efforts across the state so that anti-trans fear mongering has real consequences for our elected officials.

Thank you to everyone who has spoken out against the recent statements from the AG and the Governor. This was just the latest cruel escalation in a long series of attacks on transgender youth in Texas and we are amazed at the resilience and resourcefulness of our community in Texas and beyond. As a community we know that the love that binds us is incredibly powerful and we saw it in full force this week.

Together, we will ensure that all kids in Texas, including transgender youth, are able to live full and healthy lives without fear.

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Take action against Abbott’s dangerous direction to DFPS

February 23, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

On February 18th, in the middle of early voting for the Texas primary elections, Attorney General Ken Paxton released a non-binding opinion grossly mischaracterizing medically necessary, best-practice healthcare for transgender children as child abuse. Shortly after, Governor Abbott sent a letter to the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) directing them to enforce Paxton’s opinion.

We stand with every major, credible medical association in supporting age-appropriate, best-practice standards of healthcare for transgender youth and adults. Misconstruing the law and amplifying junk science to attack innocent children and their parents is cruel, beneath contempt, and could have a devastating effect on transgender youth and their families. Read our full statement here. 

What to know: 

 

What you can do: 

Remember, the Governor’s letter is non-binding. DFPS is not required to change any policies around transgender youth. Take action and send them a message now urging them to do the right thing and follow the guidance of every major medical association.

If you’re directly affected as a parent, a trans young person, or a mandatory reporter (teachers, social workers, counselors) join equality groups tonight at 6pm CST, February 23, for an overview of the situation, your rights, and how to move forward. Register here to attend.

Donate now to join the movement against this cruel abuse of power. No one should have to experience the fear of potentially losing their child just for loving them as who they are.

All children, including transgender kids deserve parents who love them unconditionally and will fight to follow evidence-based, live-saving healthcare. Remember that Equality Texas and our partner organizations around the state are fighting for you every day. If you attack one Texan, you attack all Texans.

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For Immediate Release: Statement on AG Paxton Opinion about Trans Healthcare

February 22, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

Contact: Angela Hale | angela.hale@equalitytexas.org 512-289-2995


February 22, 2022 – AUSTIN, TEXAS – Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization solely dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ+ Texans, today released the following statement:

All children deserve to grow up healthy and learn to take care of their bodies in a way that helps them live full, happy lives. For transgender kids, this might include gender-affirming care that has been endorsed by pediatricians and proven to help kids’ mental health and future wellbeing. Our position at Equality Texas has always been and will continue to be that we stand with every major, credible medical association in supporting age-appropriate, best-practice standards of healthcare for transgender youth and adults because that care is evidence-based, rooted in science and, quite literally, life-saving. We urge all Texans to be skeptical about campaign stunts disguised as legal opinions from a corrupt politician who has built their career spreading disinformation about marginalized communities and who has no expertise in healthcare. That’s exactly why we must leave health care decisions to the actual experts–the pediatricians and other providers who are working with families to keep kids healthy–instead of letting politicians interfere.

Since the beginning of the 2021 legislative session, anti-LGBTQ+ politicians, including the governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general have sought to lay the groundwork to turn Texans against their LGBTQ+ neighbors through an onslaught of harmful legislation, inflammatory rhetoric and discredited legal opinions. They have found it politically advantageous to spread lies about and villainize LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people, grossly mischaracterizing our lives to paint us as scary caricatures that need to be feared, all in service of securing their re-elections. 

Disinformation, being spread about transgender people and their healthcare, highlights, exaggerates and imagines a non-existent problem as an urgent moral emergency that must be tackled right now – days before the primary election. It’s predictable and sad that during a crowded primary, politicians will further sow civil discord by amplifying lies about trans people to score political points. Misconstruing the law and amplifying junk science to attack innocent children and their parents is cruel, beneath contempt, and could have a devastating effect on transgender youth and their families. 

 

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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.  

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For Immediate Release: Equality Texas Mourns the Loss of Cypress Ramos

February 18, 2022 by Johnathan Gooch

Contact: Angela Hale | angela.hale@equalitytexas.org

 

Austin, Texas – February 18, 2022 – Today, Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization solely dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ+ Texans mourns the loss of Cypress Ramos, tragically murdered in Lubbock, Texas.

The Texas LGBTQ+ community lost Cypress Ramos on Saturday, February 12 in Lubbock Texas. Cypress Ramos, 21, was, according to a friend, “a friend, a sister, a daughter. Cypress was always smiling. She was so tiny so it felt like my arms wrapped around her 3 times. She was so drama free — never in any anyone else’s problems. She just loved everyone.” 

A bright light like Cypress deserved to shine bright for much longer than she did. Cypress died from blunt force trauma. Her suspect was quickly identified and has been arrested and faces a murder charge. 

Ricardo Martinez (he/him), Chief Executive Officer of Equality Texas said, “The loss of Texans like Cypress is part of a heartbreaking epidemic of anti-transgender violence, particularly against transgender Black and Brown women  In 2021 at least 47 transgender or gender non-conforming people were killed by violence — 5 of whom were fellow Texans. That’s 47 people who deserve to be remembered and honored for far more than being part of a statistic — who lived with extraordinary courage, authenticity and love, just like Cypress.   

Rachel Hill (she/her), Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas said, “2021 was the most tragic year on record for murders of transgender women, just like 2020 was was year before. We have to break the cycle in 2022. It’s up to us to fight for a world where transgender Texans are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

While politicians manufacture “emergencies” about library books Equality Texas is committed to working with those in power to enact real solutions to improve safety for our transgender community including policies that increase resources for transgender Texans and reduce barriers to employment, healthcare, public services, and shelter.”   

A candlelight vigil honoring Cypress will be held at Tim Cole Memorial Park on February 19, 2022 at 7PM.

 

 

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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.

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