In 2022, Florida got most of the notoriety, but more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 36 state legislatures. In eight states, these bills have been signed into law. Clearly the Republicans are using us as a wedge issue in the mid-term campaigns. Transgender folks are getting the worst of the attacks. Whether the issue is participation in sports, health care during transitioning, or gender identity, the political knives are being used to hurt people.

We are seeing perhaps the biggest backlash since the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage. Although our community has experienced significant strides in civil rights in recent decades, the Republicans clearly see us as convenient enemies in appealing to the radical-right of their base.

Is this trend simply political posturing to gain votes, or does it represent a more in-depth shift in public opinion? The Trump era certainly stepped up their game in social media. The Republicans are getting serious about also putting roadblocks into law.

In North Carolina, we’ve managed to stall some of the worst proposals. We’ve even been able to start a trend with new Municipal Non-Discrimination Ordinances. The General Assembly hasn’t forgotten the severe economic impact of the infamous HB2 from several years ago. That may have had somewhat of a restraining effect against grandstanding again. We’re in the middle of primary season so the political ads are dominating TV, but book bans seem to be more local campaigns than state-wide.

Of course, the trial balloon on the Supreme Court’s proposed ban on abortions has pushed everything else off the radar for the current news cycle. I’m not sure that we can claim yet that they’re coming for us next. I’m more concerned about stacking the elections of state election officials. If the process itself becomes corrupt, then every aspect of our democracy will be threatened.

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