With the Trump Administration now in the White House and hostile forces in the majority in Congress and on the U.S. Supreme Court, our new chapter in the movement for LGBTQ equality has intensified. The far-right political movement feels more emboldened than ever to roll back fundamental American rights and freedoms, challenge landmark LGBTQ precedents, and ramp up a new wave of anti-LGBTQ attacks.
At the same time, we’re seeing an unprecedented level of public support for LGBTQ equality in the South – and so many people ready to speak out and stand up for equality.
That’s why the Campaign for Southern Equality is asking you to join us in Meeting the Moment in the LGBTQ South to respond to new attacks of LGBTQ rights, continue to advance LGBTQ rights, help people protect their rights and access care, and ensure that LGBTQ Southerners feel connected, loved, and supported.
Take Action
It’s time to mobilize supporters to take local, state, and federal actions through rapid response organizing, lobbying, public education, election engagement, and litigation to identify and defend attacks on rights and secure new protections. Here are ways you can plug in:
Tell Congress to Reject Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks
Extreme lawmakers have forced through anti-transgender legislation across the South – and nationwide. Now, they have their sights set on Congress. We have to make sure that our lawmakers know we are counting on them to stand against any dangerous, anti-transgender bill that is introduced. Take action now and tell your Senators and Representative: No anti-transgender attacks in Congress!
Get Engaged with the Trans Kids, Our Kids Book
The Campaign for Southern Equality team wrote a book, Trans Kids, Our Kids, sharing the stories of dozens of trans young people, their family members, medical professionals, lawyers, community advocates, and more. Learn how you can get involved with the book.
Volunteer with the Campaign for Southern Equality
Get involved with our work supporting LGBTQ+ Southerners. Get involved here.
Become an Ambassador for Campaign for Southern Equality!
Every supporter helps us go where the need is greatest and show up for LGBTQ+ however we can. Now, we have way for anyone to host a fundraiser for us, and it only takes 5 minutes to set up – with a fully customizable page to share why our work is meaningful to you.
Take Care
LGBTQ+ Southerners and allied communities are feeling the strain after so many attacks, underlining the need to care for and support each other.
Virtual Wellness Toolkit
This digital zine for LGBTQ+ youth in the South and beyond is focused on healing, resilience, and wellness. The toolkit features Centering practices, Quotes of support, and Links to helpful resources. We hope you check out the toolkit, and share with your people.
Send a Message of Support to Trans Youth
We know that the love and support that exists for trans kids across the country is stronger than dangerous anti-trans laws. That’s why Campaign for Southern Equality is collecting messages of hope and support to share with transgender kids and their families.
Take Steps to Prepare
LGBTQ+ Southerners and allies are also newly concerned about their rights and preparing for future attacks on LGBTQ equality. The Campaign for Southern Equality will provide direct services and digital resources to support LGBTQ Southerners in knowing their rights, protecting their rights, and accessing critical services.
How LGBTQ+ Southerners Can Prepare for Federal Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks
As the Trump Administration takes over the federal government, we want to offer information and resources to help you prepare for what’s to come, drawn from LGBTQ+ and other movement leaders. Here in the South, our communities have been facing the current wave of anti-LGBTQ+ policies for years, and folks on the margins have been fighting against oppression throughout our country’s history. Despite these circumstances, we have always found ways to survive, be joyful with one another, and thrive in the face of tremendous challenges. This list offers practical recommendations for steps you can take to prepare, or things you may want to consider addressing in the weeks ahead.
The Trans Youth Emergency Project
Cruel laws banning best-practice gender-affirming care have passed in more than two dozen states across the country – and as a result, thousands of transgender youth and their families are being forced to travel extreme distances and take on significant expenses just to get the care they need. The Trans Youth Emergency Project is here to help families navigate this complex and exhausting maze, offering logistical and financial support. Our team provides 1-on-1 custom patient navigation services and supports families of transgender youth with emergency grants to help them travel out of state for care.
The Trans in the South Guide
Trans in the South: A Directory of Trans-Affirming Health & Legal Service Providers, is a directory of more than 400 Southern health service providers who are trans-affirming. You’ll find lists of trans-friendly mental health providers, primary care physicians, HIV care specialists, attorneys, endocrinologists, and more across 13 Southern states.
