LGBTQ+ activists speak impacts of Senate Invoice 14

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Invoice 14, banning minors from receiving gender-affirming care, into legislation on June 2. The invoice prohibits transgender youth from receiving hormones and puberty blockers and takes impact on Sept. 1.

Texas joins 17 different states in proscribing medical look after younger transgender sufferers. Earlier than signing the invoice, Abbott informed Fox Information it was “no secret” he would signal it as a result of he believes these beneath 18 “don’t have the psychological capability to make a life-changing choice.” However some advocacy teams that oppose the invoice are searching for to problem it earlier than it takes impact.

Amongst these advocates is Anna Mae Justice, a member of the management board for Austin Queer Connection. She says the group works locally to maintain the youth educated on latest political impacts.

“We host this factor known as Austin Queer Coalition, which is a month-to-month gathering of all of the group leaders of companies, organizations, social teams, stuff like that,” Justice stated. “All of us come collectively to debate present problems with concern and methods we will assist one another. And one of many ways in which we do that’s we collaborate on points that we really feel can be useful to work collectively on.”

Hayden Williams, the founding father of Austin Queer Connection, stated the group works with queer youth, together with UT college students, to facilitate socials due to what he calls a “enormous void” in queer areas in Austin apart from bars and golf equipment. Williams stated he based Austin Queer Connection in 2019 out of a necessity for the group and to supply outreach for queer youth. 

Williams stated that though the rising visibility of queer folks would possibly make some uncomfortable, this visibility is crucial for queer youth. 

“When queer youth are informed which you can’t be your self, you may’t be real, you can’t categorical your self in a real method, that’s damaging,” Williams stated. “Everytime you inform youth usually that you simply can’t be real, you can’t be genuine, that’s damaging.”

In response to the invoice’s passing, a number of organizations, together with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Transgender Legislation Middle, stated they are going to work to struggle the legislation in court docket.

Justice stated passing payments like SB 14 scares folks and places transgender youths’ lives in danger.

“I personally have seen what it’s like when folks aren’t capable of get that gender-affirming care,” Justice stated. “And the way a lot it broken their psychological well being and their bodily well being and the way harmful it’s.”