The LGBT South is a weekly email newsletter, compiling national, regional, and local news important to LGBT Southerners. Subscribe to get the latest edition to your inbox every Friday morning and keep up with what the Campaign for Southern Equality is up to!
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Trans people are your sisters, brothers, teachers, doctors, neighbors, children, friends. We are normal people just striving to be ourselves. We’ve been around for as long as people were around, and our trans-ness does not make us dangerous or perverse or insidious.”
–Gavin Grimm, the teen defendant in a case set to be heard by the Supreme Court on restroom use for trans students
Here’s your breakdown of what’s happening this week in the #LGBTsouth:
PROTECTING OUR YOUTH
Wednesday night, after much speculation, the Trump administration withdrew guidelines issued by President Obama last year that instructed schools to allow transgender students to use the restroom of their choice.
Several officials in the administration cited states’ rights as a reason for withdrawing the guidelines, saying this is an issue that should be handled at the state and local level. While trans students are still protected under Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination, several state and local officials immediately confirmed that they will continue to enforce bans against discrimination of transgender students. And civil rights attorneys are already predicting that Trump will lose this fight. It is ultimately up to Congress to make any changes to Title IX, and the Supreme Court ruling in Gavin Grimm’s Virginia case could determine the answer to this question once and for all.
WHAT ELSE?
The world’s first transgender doll has been created, based on teen activist and TV personality Jazz Jennings.
The Atlantic’s Alana Semuels outlines the fascinating history of the “invention of segregation” in the South, leading cities to be more segregated today than at the turn of the 20th century.
Republican Virginia Representative Scott Taylor plans to introduce a bill banning discrimination against LGBTQ renters and homebuyers.
STAFF READ OF THE WEEK
Read our Executive Director, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara’s statement following Wednesdaynight’s order and help us spread the message to trans youth that they matter, they are loved, and we won’t stop fighting for them.
Tonight, the Trump Administration acted recklessly in an attempt to rollback civil rights protections for transgender students in schools. This is unconscionable and we condemn this action. It’s important that people know that despite this action, Title IX continues to protect transgender students from discrimination and ensure equal, fair access to school facilities.
You can read coverage with more details about tonight’s action here.
Our message tonight is to trans youth across the South and the country, from all of us at the Campaign for Southern Equality. We want you to know that we are with you and we will fight for your rights every day.
You are beautiful, equal and whole, just as you are. That’s a fundamental truth that no law, policy or directive can change.
If you are feeling alone or need support, please reach out and connect to someone:
Trans Lifeline can be reached at 877-565-8860.
The Trevor Project hotline is 866-488-7386.
If you are an ally, don’t be quiet in this moment. Reach out, let trans youth know you have their back, that you are ready to fight for them.
With love,
Jasmine and the whole CSE team
WHAT THE CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY IS UP TO
Interested in joining the CSE team? We are currently accepting applications for the Tzedek Social Justice Fellowship focused on Operations and Engagement at The Campaign for Southern Equality. The Tzedek Social Justice Fellowship (TSJF) is a transformational experience for emerging social justice leaders that builds the capacity of organizations to effect change in Asheville and beyond. Visit the Tzedek website to learn more! www.tzedekfellowship.org
CSE is also funding a Post-Election Rapid Response round of grants through our Southern Equality Fund, which supports grassroots LGBTQ Southern leaders through direct funding, training and leadership development.
We need new organizing strategies and new models for providing services and support to LGBTQ Southerners. We want to hear your ideas – and we want to fund you.
You can apply as a group or individual and do not have to have 501c3 status. Click here to learn more and apply for up to $500 in funding.
